The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will force the release of case documents concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a case that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
This legislation next goes to Trump for his approval. The president indicated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for months rejected the uproar over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and said he would approve it if it comes to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with victims and their supporters who were seated in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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