The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will require the publication of case documents associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration relented after an extended period of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a case that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next heads to Donald Trump for his signature. He indicated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for months rejected the uproar over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with victims and their supporters who were seated in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he feared the measure would make public identifying details of people, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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