The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will force the release of case documents concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
This legislation next heads to the president for his signature. He signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though Trump has for months rejected the outcry over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were present in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he was concerned the measure would make public personal information of people, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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