The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will require the publication of case documents associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. The administration relented after an extended period of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next goes to the president for his approval. Trump signaled on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for an extended period rejected the controversy over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were present in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose specific data of witnesses, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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