The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will force the release of official records associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. The White House changed course after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next heads to Donald Trump for his endorsement. The president signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though the president has for months downplayed the controversy over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with victims and their supporters who were present in a public section, cheered after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who stated he worried the measure would disclose specific data of witnesses, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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