The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will force the release of official records concerning 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. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have waited long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The bill next goes to Trump for his signature. The president indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Though the president has for months downplayed the uproar over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with victims and their advocates who were present in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who stated he feared the measure would make public personal information of individuals involved, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
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