The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will force the release of official records associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have been patient long enough. The survivors have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The measure next goes to Donald Trump for his endorsement. The president stated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Though the president has for months dismissed the uproar over the authorities' approach 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.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their representatives who were seated in a public section, cheered after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he was concerned the measure would make public specific data of witnesses, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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