The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of official records associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, expediting the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have waited long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The measure next will be sent to the president for his signature. He stated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though 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 measure over the past few days, and stated he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose personal information of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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