The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of official records concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
This legislation next heads to Donald Trump for his endorsement. He indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for months rejected the controversy over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were seated in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he feared the measure would disclose personal information of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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