The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of case documents associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a case that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next goes to Donald Trump for his endorsement. Trump indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though Trump has for an extended period dismissed the outcry over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and said he would approve it if it comes to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with those affected and their advocates who were watching from a viewing area, applauded after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would make public specific data of witnesses, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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