The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will force the release of official records concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House relented after months of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
The public have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next goes to Donald Trump for his signature. He indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for an extended period downplayed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Response
Democrats, along with victims and their supporters who were present in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who said he was concerned the measure would reveal identifying details of witnesses, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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