The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of official records related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next heads to the president for his approval. Trump signaled on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for months downplayed the outcry over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the weekend, and announced he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with those affected and their supporters who were seated in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he feared the measure would reveal specific data of individuals involved, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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