The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will force the release of official records concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The measure next will be sent to the president for his approval. Trump indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for months dismissed the uproar 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 sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with those affected and their advocates who were watching from a House gallery, cheered after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose specific data of people, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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