The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will require the publication of case documents associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump 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 followed the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next will be sent to Trump for his signature. He stated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for months rejected the controversy over the official management of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the past few days, and said he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Response
Democrats, along with victims and their supporters who were watching from a viewing area, cheered after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who stated he worried the measure would make public specific data of people, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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