The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will require the publication of case documents concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House changed course after months of trying to block the joint action involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
The bill next goes to Trump for his signature. The president signaled on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Though Trump has for months downplayed the outcry over the official management of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and stated he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with victims and their supporters who were seated in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he feared the measure would make public personal information of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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