The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of case documents concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
This legislation next goes to the president for his approval. The president stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for months dismissed the uproar over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were seated in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he was concerned the measure would disclose specific data of witnesses, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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