The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will require the publication of case documents related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team relented after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The bill next will be sent to Donald Trump for his approval. He signaled on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for an extended period dismissed the outcry over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and said he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their supporters who were present in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he feared the measure would make public identifying details of witnesses, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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