The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will require the publication of case documents concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after an extended period of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The measure next goes to Trump for his approval. He stated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though the president has for months rejected the uproar over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were watching from a viewing area, applauded after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he was concerned the measure would reveal personal information of people, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
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