The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will require the publication of case documents related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House changed course after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a case that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have waited long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The measure next goes to Donald Trump for his signature. He stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for months rejected the outcry over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their representatives who were watching from a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who stated he worried the measure would disclose identifying details of people, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
Other News Updates
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