The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will force the release of official records related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The measure next heads to Trump for his endorsement. The president indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Even though Trump has for months downplayed the uproar over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their advocates who were seated in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he worried the measure would disclose identifying details of people, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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