The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will force the release of official records related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a scandal 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 recorded vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next heads to the president for his endorsement. He indicated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though the president has for an extended period downplayed the outcry over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with victims and their supporters who were seated in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose specific data of people, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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