The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will require the publication of official records related to 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. The White House gave in after months of trying to block the joint action involving a case that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next will be sent to Donald Trump for his endorsement. He stated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though Trump has for an extended period downplayed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the measure over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Response
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were present in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who stated he worried the measure would disclose personal information of people, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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