The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will require the publication of case documents related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next will be sent to Donald Trump for his approval. The president signaled on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for months dismissed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and said he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their advocates who were present in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would reveal identifying details of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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