The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will require the publication of case documents related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to block the joint action involving a case that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The measure next heads to the president for his approval. Trump stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for months dismissed the uproar over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with victims and their advocates who were watching from a public section, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he feared the measure would reveal specific data of individuals involved, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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