The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will force the release of official records associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. The White House changed course after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a case that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next heads to Donald Trump for his approval. He signaled on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for months dismissed the controversy over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the past few days, and said he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were present in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he feared the measure would reveal personal information of individuals involved, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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