The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of case documents concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next heads to Donald Trump for his endorsement. He signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Even though Trump has for an extended period dismissed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and said he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with those affected and their supporters who were watching from a House gallery, applauded after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he worried the measure would reveal identifying details of people, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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