The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will force the release of official records related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. The White House gave in after months of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have waited long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The measure next goes to the president for his signature. He stated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Though Trump has for an extended period dismissed the uproar over the government’s handling of the scandal 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 comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their advocates who were present in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would reveal personal information of witnesses, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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