The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will force the release of official records concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration relented after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have waited long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The bill next will be sent to the president for his approval. He signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for months downplayed the uproar over the official management of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and said he would approve it if it comes to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their advocates who were watching from a viewing area, applauded after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who stated he feared the measure would make public personal information of individuals involved, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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