The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will force the release of official records concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The bill next will be sent to Trump for his endorsement. He indicated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Even though the president has for months downplayed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it comes to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with those affected and their representatives who were watching from a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would make public identifying details of individuals involved, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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