The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will require the publication of case documents associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. The White House gave in after months of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by general agreement, 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.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The bill next goes to Trump for his endorsement. The president stated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though the president has for an extended period dismissed the uproar over the official management of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the weekend, and announced he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were watching from a public section, cheered after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he feared the measure would reveal identifying details of individuals involved, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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