The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will force the release of case documents related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next heads to Trump for his endorsement. The president indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for an extended period downplayed the controversy over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their advocates who were seated in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would reveal specific data of individuals involved, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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