The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of case documents concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to block the joint action involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
The public have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The measure next goes to Trump for his approval. He signaled on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for months dismissed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their representatives who were present in a public section, cheered after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who said he worried the measure would disclose identifying details of people, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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