The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of case documents concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The measure next goes to Trump for his signature. Trump stated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Even though Trump has for months dismissed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with victims and their advocates who were seated in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who stated he feared the measure would reveal personal information of people, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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