The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to legislation 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 reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next heads to the president for his approval. The president signaled on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Though the president has for an extended period dismissed the controversy over the official management of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their advocates who were watching from a public section, applauded after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would disclose personal information of people, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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