The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will require the publication of official records associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have waited long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The measure next heads to Donald Trump for his signature. He indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for months downplayed the controversy over the official management of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and said he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with victims and their supporters who were watching from a House gallery, applauded after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would make public specific data of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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