The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will force the release of case documents concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. The White House changed course after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a controversy that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
This legislation next goes to Trump for his approval. He stated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though Trump has for an extended period dismissed the uproar over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the weekend, and announced he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their supporters who were seated in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he worried the measure would disclose specific data of witnesses, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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