The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will force the release of official records associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. The White House changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a case that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, expediting the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
The measure next goes to Trump for his signature. He signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Even though Trump has for an extended period downplayed the uproar over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their advocates who were present in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would disclose specific data of witnesses, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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