The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will force the release of official records related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. The White House changed course after months of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The measure next heads to Trump for his endorsement. The president stated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though Trump has for months downplayed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Response
The Democratic party, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a public section, applauded after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he feared the measure would disclose identifying details of individuals involved, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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