The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of case documents concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have waited long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next heads to Donald Trump for his approval. The president stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for an extended period rejected the outcry over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were watching from a House gallery, applauded after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who stated he was concerned the measure would reveal identifying details of witnesses, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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