The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will require the publication of case documents concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, expediting the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The measure next will be sent to Trump for his endorsement. Trump signaled on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for months downplayed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the weekend, and announced he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with those affected and their supporters who were seated in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who stated he worried the measure would reveal identifying details of individuals involved, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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