The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will force the release of official records concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration gave in after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a case that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
This legislation next heads to the president for his signature. The president signaled on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for months dismissed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the measure over the past few days, and said he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their advocates who were seated in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would disclose identifying details of individuals involved, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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