The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will require the publication of case documents concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The measure next goes to Donald Trump for his approval. Trump stated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though Trump has for months downplayed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with victims and their advocates who were present in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he was concerned the measure would disclose personal information of people, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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