The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will force the release of official records concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. The administration gave in after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a controversy that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The bill next will be sent to Donald Trump for his signature. Trump stated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though Trump has for months dismissed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with victims and their representatives who were seated in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he worried the measure would disclose specific data of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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