The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of official records associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team relented after an extended period of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a case that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next heads to the president for his signature. Trump indicated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Though the president has for months dismissed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the past few days, and said he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with victims and their advocates who were watching from a House gallery, applauded after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who stated he feared the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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