The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will force the release of official records associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after 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 joint action involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
The public have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next will be sent to Trump for his signature. The president indicated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for an extended period downplayed the controversy over the official management of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were watching from a public section, applauded after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would make public specific data of individuals involved, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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