The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will force the release of official records associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration gave in after months of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The measure next goes to the president for his approval. The president indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though the president has for months dismissed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with those affected and their representatives who were seated in a public section, cheered after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he worried the measure would reveal personal information of individuals involved, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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