The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of case documents concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration relented after months of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
The public have been patient long enough. The survivors have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The measure next heads to Trump for his approval. He indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Though Trump has for months rejected the uproar over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and said he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with victims and their advocates who were present in a public section, cheered after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he feared the measure would make public identifying details of individuals involved, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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