The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will force the release of official records related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a case that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have waited long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
This legislation next will be sent to Trump for his signature. Trump signaled on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Even though the president has for an extended period rejected the controversy over the official management of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were present in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would make public specific data of individuals involved, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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