The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of official records concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a case that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next will be sent to the president for his signature. The president indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though the president has for months downplayed the uproar over the official management of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with victims and their supporters who were watching from a House gallery, cheered after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would make public identifying details of people, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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