The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval 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 lower house and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House relented after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by general agreement, 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 massive majority.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The measure next will be sent to Trump for his signature. Trump signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Even though the president has for an extended period downplayed the controversy over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the past few days, and said he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their advocates who were seated in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who said he was concerned the measure would make public personal information of witnesses, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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