The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will force the release of official records associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. The administration gave in after months of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a case that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have been patient long enough. The survivors have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The measure next goes to Trump for his approval. He indicated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though the president has for an extended period dismissed the outcry over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the weekend, and said he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their advocates who were watching from a viewing area, applauded after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose specific data of witnesses, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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