The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will force the release of case documents related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. The White House changed course after months of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The measure next will be sent to Donald Trump for his approval. The president indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Though Trump has for an extended period rejected the outcry over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Response
Democrats, along with those affected and their supporters who were seated in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he feared the measure would disclose personal information of people, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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