The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will force the release of official records related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House relented after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
The bill next goes to Trump for his endorsement. Trump indicated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for months downplayed the outcry over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and said he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Response
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were seated in a public section, applauded after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he feared the measure would disclose specific data of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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