The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will force the release of case documents associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. The White House changed course after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a controversy that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have waited long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next goes to the president for his endorsement. Trump stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for months dismissed the uproar over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were watching from a viewing area, applauded after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he worried the measure would make public personal information of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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