The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will require the publication of case documents concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a case that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The measure next goes to the president for his endorsement. He stated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for months downplayed the controversy over the official management of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he feared the measure would make public personal information of people, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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