The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will force the release of official records concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration gave in after months of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a case that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The measure next goes to Donald Trump for his endorsement. Trump signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for months rejected the controversy over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the past few days, and stated he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their supporters who were seated in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he feared the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
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