The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will force the release of case documents related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House gave in after months of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next will be sent to Donald Trump for his approval. He stated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for an extended period rejected the controversy over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their advocates who were watching from a viewing area, cheered after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he worried the measure would reveal personal information of individuals involved, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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