The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of case documents associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, 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.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next heads to Trump for his signature. The president stated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Though Trump has for an extended period downplayed the controversy over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the past few days, and stated he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Response
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were watching from a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who said he worried the measure would make public identifying details of individuals involved, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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