The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will force the release of official records related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. The administration gave in after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
This legislation next goes to Donald Trump for his signature. He stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Even though the president has for an extended period dismissed the uproar over the official management of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the weekend, and said he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a public section, cheered 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 people, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
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