The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of case documents associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The measure next heads to Donald Trump for his approval. He signaled on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for months downplayed the outcry over the official management of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their supporters who were seated in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he worried the measure would disclose personal information of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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