The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will force the release of official records related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The measure next will be sent to Donald Trump for his endorsement. He signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though Trump has for months dismissed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and said he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their supporters who were seated in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he was concerned the measure would make public identifying details of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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