The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will force the release of official records concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House gave in after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
The public have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next goes to Trump for his endorsement. The president indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Even though Trump has for months dismissed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and said he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with victims and their representatives who were seated in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who stated he worried the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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