The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will require the publication of case documents related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. The White House relented after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a case that has dogged 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 avoids a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
The bill next heads to Donald Trump for his approval. He indicated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for months downplayed the controversy over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with victims and their advocates who were present in a public section, applauded after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who said he worried the measure would reveal identifying details of witnesses, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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