The upper chamber of Congress on 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 overwhelming vote in the lower house and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next heads to Donald Trump for his signature. He indicated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for months dismissed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the past few days, and said he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were watching from a House gallery, cheered after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who said he was concerned the measure would make public specific data of people, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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