The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will require the publication of case documents related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a case that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
This legislation next goes to Trump for his approval. He signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although Trump has for months dismissed the uproar over the official management of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were present in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he was concerned the measure would disclose identifying details of individuals involved, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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