The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will force the release of case documents related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after 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 an extended period of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
This legislation next goes to Donald Trump for his endorsement. Trump signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Even though the president has for an extended period dismissed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Democrats, along with those affected and their supporters who were watching from a public section, applauded after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who said he feared the measure would disclose personal information of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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