The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will require the publication of case documents related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House relented after an extended period of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a case that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The bill next heads to the president for his approval. The president indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though Trump has for an extended period downplayed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the measure over the past few days, and said he would approve it if it comes to him.
Response
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were seated in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose personal information of individuals involved, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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