The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will force the release of official records concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. The White House changed course after months of trying to block the joint action involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
The bill next heads to Donald Trump for his signature. The president stated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Even though the president has for months dismissed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their representatives who were seated in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would disclose identifying details of witnesses, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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