The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will force the release of case documents concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. The administration relented after months of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a case that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The measure next will be sent to the president for his approval. He stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Even though Trump has for months dismissed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Response
The Democratic party, along with victims and their representatives who were seated in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he worried the measure would disclose identifying details of people, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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