The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will force the release of case documents concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration gave in after months of trying to block the joint action involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The bill next heads to Trump for his signature. He stated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Even though Trump has for months rejected 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 announced he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their supporters who were present in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he feared the measure would disclose personal information of people, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
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