The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of case documents associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. The White House relented after months of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
This legislation next will be sent to the president for his endorsement. He stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though the president has for an extended period rejected the uproar over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing 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, cheered after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would make public specific data of witnesses, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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