The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will require the publication of case documents concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
This legislation next goes to Trump for his approval. Trump indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for an extended period rejected the outcry over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with victims and their supporters who were watching from a House gallery, cheered after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would make public specific data of people, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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