The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will require the publication of case documents related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have been patient long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The measure next goes to Donald Trump for his endorsement. The president signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for months rejected the controversy over the official management of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a public section, cheered after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would reveal personal information of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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