The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of case documents related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House relented after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have waited long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next goes to Donald Trump for his approval. He indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Even though Trump has for months rejected the controversy over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were present in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he worried the measure would make public identifying details of people, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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