The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will force the release of official records concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The bill next will be sent to the president for his approval. The president indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Even though the president has for an extended period rejected the controversy over the official management of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the past few days, and stated he would approve it if it comes to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with those affected and their advocates who were watching from a public section, cheered after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who said he worried the measure would make public personal information of people, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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