The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will force the release of case documents related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The bill next heads to Trump for his signature. He stated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for months rejected the controversy over the official management of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with victims and their advocates who were present in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would make public identifying details of individuals involved, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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