The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will force the release of official records associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration relented after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next will be sent to Donald Trump for his signature. The president stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for months downplayed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their supporters who were seated in a public section, cheered after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he worried the measure would disclose personal information of individuals involved, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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