The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will force the release of official records related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The measure next heads to the president for his approval. Trump indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for an extended period rejected the controversy over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were seated in a public section, applauded after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he worried the measure would reveal specific data of people, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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