The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of case documents related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The measure next heads to the president for his approval. The president indicated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Although Trump has for an extended period rejected the controversy over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and said he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with victims and their representatives who were watching from a viewing area, applauded after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who said he worried the measure would reveal personal information of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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