The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will require the publication of case documents related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team relented after an extended period of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
This legislation next goes to the president for his approval. He stated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for an extended period downplayed the outcry over the official management of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with victims and their advocates who were seated in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he feared the measure would reveal identifying details of people, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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