The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will force the release of case documents concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a case that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
The bill next goes to Trump for his approval. Trump signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for months downplayed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with victims and their supporters who were watching from a public section, applauded after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who said he feared the measure would disclose identifying details of individuals involved, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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