The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will require the publication of case documents related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team gave in after months of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a case that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next will be sent to Trump for his approval. Trump stated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Though Trump has for months rejected the controversy over the official management of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the weekend, and said he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were watching from a House gallery, applauded after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he worried the measure would make public personal information of individuals involved, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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