The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will force the release of case documents concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House relented after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The measure next goes to Donald Trump for his approval. He stated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Even though the president has for months dismissed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the past few days, and announced he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Response
The Democratic party, along with victims and their advocates who were seated in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would reveal personal information of witnesses, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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