The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will require the publication of case documents concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House relented after months of trying to block the joint action involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have been patient long enough. The survivors have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next will be sent to the president for his approval. He indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for an extended period rejected the controversy over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the past few days, and stated he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were watching from a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose specific data of people, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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