The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will force the release of case documents associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a case that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next goes to the president for his approval. Trump indicated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for months downplayed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the weekend, and said he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with victims and their supporters who were present in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he was concerned the measure would make public identifying details of individuals involved, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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