The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will force the release of case documents related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. The White House relented after months of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a case that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have waited long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next will be sent to Trump for his endorsement. He signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for months rejected the outcry over the official management of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Response
Democrats, along with victims and their representatives who were watching from a viewing area, applauded after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would make public personal information of individuals involved, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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