The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of case documents related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. The administration relented after an extended period of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
This legislation next will be sent to the president for his signature. Trump stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though the president has for an extended period downplayed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and announced he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Response
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were present in a public section, applauded after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who stated he feared the measure would disclose personal information of people, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
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