The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will force the release of official records related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. The White House gave in after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, 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.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The bill next will be sent to the president for his endorsement. He signaled on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Although Trump has for an extended period dismissed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the past few days, and stated he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were present in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would reveal identifying details of witnesses, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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