The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will force the release of official records associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a case that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The bill next goes to Donald Trump for his signature. The president signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though Trump has for months downplayed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and said he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with victims and their supporters who were seated in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who stated he feared the measure would make public identifying details of witnesses, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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