The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will require the publication of case documents related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next heads to Donald Trump for his endorsement. The president signaled on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Even though the president has for an extended period downplayed the controversy over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with victims and their advocates who were seated in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who stated he was concerned the measure would make public specific data of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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