The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will force the release of official records related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration gave in after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have waited long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
This legislation next goes to Trump for his signature. Trump stated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Although Trump has for an extended period rejected the uproar over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were watching from a public section, cheered after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he feared the measure would reveal identifying details of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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