The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of case documents associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House changed course after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
The measure next heads to Donald Trump for his signature. He stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for months downplayed the uproar over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with those affected and their representatives who were watching from a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would disclose personal information of individuals involved, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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