The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of case documents associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have waited long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The measure next goes to Donald Trump for his approval. He signaled on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Even though the president has for months rejected the uproar over the official management of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and stated he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their advocates who were seated in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would disclose personal information of people, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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