The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will force the release of case documents associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have been patient long enough. The survivors have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
This legislation next goes to Trump for his endorsement. Trump indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though Trump has for an extended period dismissed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were watching from a viewing area, applauded after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he feared the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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