The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will force the release of case documents concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team relented after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The bill next goes to Donald Trump for his endorsement. He indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Though the president has for an extended period dismissed the uproar over the official management of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would approve it if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their representatives who were watching from a public section, cheered after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who stated he worried the measure would disclose personal information of people, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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