The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will force the release of case documents related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next goes to Trump for his approval. The president indicated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for an extended period rejected the controversy over the official management of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the past few days, and announced he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their representatives who were watching from a public section, applauded after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he feared the measure would disclose personal information of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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