The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will force the release of official records related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to block the joint action involving a controversy that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next will be sent to the president for his endorsement. The president stated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though the president has for an extended period downplayed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and announced he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Response
Democrats, along with victims and their representatives who were watching from a public section, cheered after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would disclose identifying details of people, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
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