The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will force the release of case documents concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House gave in after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
The public have waited long enough. The survivors have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
This legislation next goes to Donald Trump for his approval. He stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though the president has for months rejected the controversy over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with victims and their representatives who were seated in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who stated he feared the measure would make public specific data of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
Additional News Updates
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