The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of official records related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. The administration gave in after months of trying to block the joint action involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The measure next heads to Donald Trump for his endorsement. He stated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Though the president has for an extended period dismissed the controversy over the official management of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Response
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were seated in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose specific data of witnesses, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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