The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will force the release of official records related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration relented after an extended period of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
The public have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The measure next goes to the president for his endorsement. Trump indicated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Though Trump has for months dismissed the controversy over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were present in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would reveal personal information of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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