The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will force the release of official records related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House changed course after months of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have waited long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
This legislation next goes to Trump for his approval. The president indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Even though the president has for months downplayed the uproar over the official management of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the past few days, and stated he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their representatives who were seated in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he feared the measure would reveal specific data of individuals involved, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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