The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will force the release of official records concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team 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.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, 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 massive majority.
The public have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The bill next heads to Trump for his approval. The president stated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Though Trump has for an extended period dismissed the uproar over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the past few days, and announced he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with those affected and their supporters who were watching from a public section, applauded after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who stated he was concerned the measure would reveal specific data of individuals involved, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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