The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will force the release of official records related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. The administration gave in after an extended period of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a case that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have waited long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The bill next goes to Trump for his approval. He indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Though the president has for months downplayed the outcry over the official management of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were seated in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would disclose personal information of witnesses, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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