The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of case documents related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The measure next will be sent to the president for his approval. He signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Even though the president has for an extended period rejected the uproar over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the measure over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their advocates who were watching from a public section, cheered after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who said he worried the measure would disclose identifying details of witnesses, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
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