The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of case documents associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a case that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
The public have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next goes to the president for his signature. Trump indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Even though the president has for months rejected the controversy over the official management of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who said he worried the measure would disclose personal information of people, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
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