The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of case documents concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
This legislation next heads to Donald Trump for his endorsement. Trump stated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for months dismissed the uproar over the official management of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and said he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Democrats, along with victims and their supporters who were seated in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose personal information of people, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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