The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of case documents associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House changed course after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, expediting the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The measure next will be sent to the president for his approval. The president stated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Even though the president has for months downplayed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and said he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were seated in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would make public personal information of people, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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