The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of official records related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a case that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have waited long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next goes to Trump for his approval. The president signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Even though the president has for months rejected the controversy over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were seated in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he worried the measure would reveal specific data of people, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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