The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will force the release of case documents concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration relented after an extended period of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a case that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
This legislation next goes to Donald Trump for his approval. Trump indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though the president has for an extended period downplayed the uproar over the official management of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the past few days, and said he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Democrats, along with those affected and their representatives who were watching from a public section, applauded after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose personal information of people, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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