The Senate 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 near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position 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 controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
The public have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
This legislation next heads to the president for his signature. The president indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for months downplayed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with victims and their supporters who were watching from a viewing area, cheered after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who said he was concerned the measure would reveal identifying details of individuals involved, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
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