The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of official records related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration relented after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
The public have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
This legislation next heads to Donald Trump for his approval. He stated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Though the president has for months dismissed the outcry over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were present in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who said he worried the measure would reveal personal information of witnesses, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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