The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will require the publication of official records concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House changed course after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a controversy that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have waited long enough. The survivors have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next will be sent to the president for his approval. Trump signaled on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Though Trump has for an extended period dismissed the controversy over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were seated in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he worried the measure would disclose specific data of witnesses, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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