The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will force the release of official records concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. The White House changed course after months of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next heads to Donald Trump for his signature. He indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though the president has for months downplayed the controversy over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their supporters who were watching from a public section, applauded after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he feared the measure would make public identifying details of witnesses, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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- A significant number of US education agency’s powers moved to other federal departments as part of administration efforts.
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