The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will require the publication of case documents associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team gave in after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have waited long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The measure next heads to Trump for his signature. He indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though Trump has for an extended period dismissed the outcry over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Response
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were present in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would make public identifying details of individuals involved, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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