The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will force the release of official records related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration relented after an extended period of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
This legislation next will be sent to the president for his signature. He signaled on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Though Trump has for months downplayed the controversy over the government’s handling of the investigation 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 comes to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with victims and their advocates who were seated in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he feared the measure would reveal identifying details of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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