The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will force the release of official records concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a controversy that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The measure next will be sent to the president for his endorsement. The president signaled on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for months downplayed the uproar over the official management of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and said he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with victims and their advocates who were watching from a public section, cheered after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would make public personal information of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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