The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will require the publication of case documents related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have waited long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next heads to Donald Trump for his endorsement. The president stated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Although Trump has for an extended period rejected the controversy over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who stated he was concerned the measure would reveal personal information of people, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
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