The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will force the release of case documents concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The measure next goes to Donald Trump for his approval. The president indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though Trump has for months dismissed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the past few days, and said he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their representatives who were seated in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who stated he worried the measure would disclose personal information of witnesses, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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