The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will force the release of case documents related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. The administration gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have waited long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The measure next heads to the president for his signature. Trump indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though the president has for an extended period downplayed the controversy over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he worried the measure would reveal identifying details of people, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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