The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of official records related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration gave in after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
This legislation next goes to Donald Trump for his endorsement. The president signaled on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Even though the president has for months dismissed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were seated in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he was concerned the measure would disclose personal information of witnesses, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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