The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will force the release of case documents related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a controversy that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, 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.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The measure next heads to Donald Trump for his endorsement. The president signaled on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for months rejected the outcry over the official management of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their supporters who were present in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he worried the measure would make public personal information of individuals involved, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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