The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will force the release of official records concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration gave in after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
This legislation next will be sent to Donald Trump for his endorsement. The president indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for months dismissed the uproar over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their advocates who were present in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who stated he feared the measure would reveal specific data of people, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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