The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of official records associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House gave in after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next will be sent to Donald Trump for his approval. He stated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though Trump has for an extended period downplayed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and stated he would approve it if it comes to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their representatives who were watching from a viewing area, applauded after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose specific data of people, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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