The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will force the release of case documents related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, expediting the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for 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 Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The measure next will be sent to Donald Trump for his approval. He stated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for months dismissed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Response
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their representatives who were seated in a public section, applauded after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would reveal personal information of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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