The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay 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 House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next heads to the president for his approval. Trump indicated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for an extended period dismissed the uproar over the official management of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the past few days, and said he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were watching from a public section, broke into applause after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who stated he worried the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
Additional Headlines
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