The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will force the release of official records associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have waited long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The bill next will be sent to Trump for his approval. The president signaled on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though Trump has for an extended period rejected the controversy over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the past few days, and said he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were watching from a House gallery, applauded after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would disclose personal information of people, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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