The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of case documents concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a case that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The bill next goes to the president for his approval. He signaled on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Even though the president has for months dismissed the controversy over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their advocates who were present in a public section, applauded after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who said he was concerned the measure would reveal personal information of individuals involved, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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