The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will force the release of official records associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team gave in after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
The public have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next will be sent to Trump for his endorsement. The president indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for an extended period dismissed the outcry over the official management of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and announced he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their representatives who were present in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who said he was concerned the measure would reveal specific data of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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