The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will require the publication of case documents associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
This legislation next heads to Trump for his approval. Trump stated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though the president has for months downplayed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their representatives who were watching from a viewing area, cheered after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who stated he feared the measure would disclose identifying details of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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