The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will force the release of official records associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to block the joint action involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The bill next heads to the president for his signature. Trump signaled on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for months rejected the controversy over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their advocates who were present in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who stated he worried the measure would reveal personal information of witnesses, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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- Large-scale operations move to Raleigh, with representatives noting ongoing activities.
