The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will force the release of official records concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a case that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The measure next goes to the president for his approval. He indicated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though Trump has for an extended period dismissed the uproar over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Democrats, along with those affected and their supporters who were watching from a House gallery, applauded after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would make public personal information of people, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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