The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will force the release of official records related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. The White House relented after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The measure next heads to Trump for his signature. The president indicated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Although Trump has for months dismissed the uproar over the official management of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and said he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were seated in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would disclose personal information of individuals involved, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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