The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will require the publication of case documents concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a reversal 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 controversy that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have waited long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next heads to the president for his signature. Trump signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though the president has for an extended period downplayed the outcry over the official management of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were present in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would make public specific data of people, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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