The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will force the release of case documents associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House changed course after months of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a case that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next heads to the president for his approval. Trump stated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though the president has for months dismissed the outcry over the official management of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and announced he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who said he worried the measure would make public identifying details of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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