The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will force the release of case documents concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The measure next heads to Trump for his endorsement. He stated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for an extended period dismissed the controversy over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with those affected and their advocates who were seated in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose identifying details of individuals involved, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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