The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will force the release of official records associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next will be sent to Trump for his signature. The president stated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Though the president has for months downplayed the uproar over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the past few days, and announced he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Response
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were watching from a public section, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would disclose identifying details of people, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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