The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will require the publication of case documents associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration relented after an extended period of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
This legislation next goes to Donald Trump for his signature. The president stated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Though the president has for months rejected the outcry over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and said he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with victims and their advocates who were present in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he worried the measure would reveal specific data of witnesses, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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