The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will force the release of case documents related to 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 Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a case that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people 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 urging the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
The measure next will be sent to the president for his endorsement. Trump stated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Even though Trump has for months rejected the controversy over the official management of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were watching from a viewing area, applauded after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he feared the measure would make public personal information of people, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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