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The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of case documents concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration gave in after an extended period of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a case that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.

Expedited Passage in Both Chambers

Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.

Citizens have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”

Next Steps

This legislation next goes to Donald Trump for his endorsement. The president signaled on the previous day that he would approve the bill.

Though the president has for an extended period rejected the controversy over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the weekend, and announced he would approve it if it is presented to him.

Reaction

Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their supporters who were present in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who said he worried the measure would disclose personal information of people, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.

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