The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of official records associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
The public have been patient long enough. The survivors have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
The measure next goes to the president for his approval. He indicated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though the president has for an extended period downplayed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and said he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Response
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were watching from a House gallery, applauded after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would reveal specific data of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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