The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will force the release of official records concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president 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 followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The bill next will be sent to Trump for his approval. The president stated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
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 legislation over the weekend, and stated he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Response
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were present in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would reveal specific data of witnesses, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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