The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will force the release of official records concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. The administration relented after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next will be sent to Trump for his approval. The president stated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Though Trump has for months dismissed the uproar over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would approve it if it comes to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with victims and their supporters who were present in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he worried the measure would make public identifying details of individuals involved, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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