The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will require the publication of case documents associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a case that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The bill next heads to Donald Trump for his endorsement. The president indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Even though the president has for an extended period downplayed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and said he would approve it if it comes to him.
Response
Democrats, along with victims and their supporters who were seated in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who said he worried the measure would reveal specific data of people, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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