Senate Approves Measure to Make Public Epstein Records
The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will force the release of official records related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House changed course after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have been patient long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The measure next goes to the president for his signature. The president stated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Though the president has for an extended period downplayed the outcry over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with those affected and their advocates who were seated in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would reveal specific data of people, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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