The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will require the publication of official records related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. The administration relented after an extended period of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next goes to Donald Trump for his endorsement. He signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though Trump has for months rejected the uproar over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and announced he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with victims and their advocates who were watching from a public section, broke into applause after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he was concerned the measure would disclose identifying details of individuals involved, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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