The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will force the release of case documents associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next goes to Donald Trump for his signature. He signaled on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for months rejected the uproar over the official management of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and said he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their representatives who were present in a public section, applauded after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he feared the measure would reveal personal information of individuals involved, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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