The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of case documents associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have waited long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The measure next heads to Trump for his approval. He signaled on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Though Trump has for months dismissed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were watching from a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would reveal specific data of individuals involved, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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