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The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of official records related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.

Unanimous Passage in Congress

Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.

The public have waited long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”

Presidential Signature

The bill next will be sent to Donald Trump for his signature. The president stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.

Even though Trump has for months rejected the outcry over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and announced he would approve it if it is presented to him.

Reaction

The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were present in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who stated he worried the measure would reveal personal information of people, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.

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