The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will require the publication of case documents associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. The administration relented after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The bill next heads to Donald Trump for his signature. The president stated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for an extended period rejected the controversy over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the weekend, and said he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their advocates who were watching from a viewing area, applauded after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he feared the measure would make public identifying details of witnesses, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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