The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will force the release of case documents related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have waited long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
This legislation next heads to the president for his endorsement. The president signaled on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though the president has for months rejected the controversy over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and announced he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their advocates who were present in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he feared the measure would make public identifying details of people, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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