The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of case documents associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. The administration relented after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have waited long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The measure next goes to the president for his signature. He stated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for months downplayed the outcry over the official management of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their advocates who were present in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose specific data of witnesses, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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