The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will require the publication of official records associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have waited long enough. The survivors have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The measure next heads to the president for his signature. Trump indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for an extended period downplayed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with victims and their supporters who were watching from a viewing area, cheered after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose identifying details of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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