The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will require the publication of case documents concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a case that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The measure next will be sent to Trump for his signature. He indicated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Though Trump has for an extended period rejected the uproar over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the weekend, and announced he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their supporters who were present in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who stated he worried the measure would disclose identifying details of witnesses, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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