The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will require the publication of case documents concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a case that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
The public have waited long enough. The survivors have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next heads to Donald Trump for his signature. Trump indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for months downplayed the outcry over the official management of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Response
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were present in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would make public personal information of individuals involved, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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