The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will require the publication of case documents related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration relented after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a case that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have waited long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next will be sent to Donald Trump for his signature. The president stated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for an extended period downplayed the controversy over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the past few days, and said he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their advocates who were seated in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he feared the measure would reveal specific data of individuals involved, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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