The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will require the publication of case documents related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team gave in after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, expediting the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have waited long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next will be sent to Donald Trump for his endorsement. The president stated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for an extended period downplayed the uproar over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the past few days, and announced he would approve it if it comes to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with victims and their advocates who were present in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who stated he worried the measure would make public identifying details of individuals involved, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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