The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will force the release of case documents related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
The measure next will be sent to Donald Trump for his endorsement. The president indicated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Though Trump has for months rejected the controversy over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Response
Democrats, along with victims and their advocates who were watching from a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who stated he worried the measure would reveal personal information of witnesses, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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