The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will force the release of case documents related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. The White House gave in after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next heads to the president for his endorsement. He indicated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though Trump has for an extended period downplayed the outcry over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and announced he would approve it if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with those affected and their representatives who were present in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who said he worried the measure would reveal personal information of witnesses, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
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