The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of official records related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team relented 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.
Expedited Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next will be sent to Donald Trump for his signature. The president stated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Though the president has for an extended period downplayed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and said he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with victims and their advocates who were seated in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would reveal specific data of individuals involved, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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