The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of official records associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House relented after months of trying to block the joint action involving a case 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, speeding up 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 floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
This legislation next goes to Trump for his signature. He stated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for months downplayed the outcry over the official management of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and said he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were present in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who said he worried the measure would disclose personal information of people, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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