The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will require the publication of case documents concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House changed course after months of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback 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 individual voting process, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The bill next goes to Trump for his endorsement. He stated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Even though Trump has for an extended period dismissed the outcry over the official management of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their supporters who were present in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he worried the measure would reveal personal information of people, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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