The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will require the publication of case documents concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House relented after months of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have waited long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next will be sent to Donald Trump for his endorsement. Trump indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for months dismissed the controversy over the official management of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and said he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Response
Democrats, along with victims and their supporters who were watching from a House gallery, applauded after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who said he feared the measure would disclose identifying details of people, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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