The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will force the release of case documents concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have waited long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The measure next will be sent to the president for his signature. He signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for months downplayed the uproar over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and said he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Response
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were seated in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he worried the measure would reveal identifying details of people, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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