The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will require the publication of case documents related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a controversy that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next goes to the president for his endorsement. He signaled on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Though the president has for months downplayed the controversy over the official management of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their advocates who were seated in a public section, applauded after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he feared the measure would disclose personal information of individuals involved, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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