The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will force the release of official records related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next goes to Trump for his approval. Trump indicated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Even though Trump has for an extended period dismissed the uproar over the official management of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with those affected and their advocates who were seated in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would reveal specific data of individuals involved, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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