The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will force the release of official records associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The bill next goes to Donald Trump for his approval. The president indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for months downplayed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he feared the measure would reveal specific data of individuals involved, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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