The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of official records associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House gave in after months of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The measure next heads to Trump for his endorsement. Trump signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for months rejected the controversy over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the weekend, and said he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their advocates who were present in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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