The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will force the release of official records associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. The White House relented after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
The bill next heads to Trump for his approval. He signaled on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Even though the president has for months rejected the controversy over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and said he would approve it if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were seated in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who said he was concerned the measure would make public personal information of people, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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