The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will require the publication of official records related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
The measure next goes to Trump for his signature. The president indicated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Even though the president has for an extended period downplayed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their supporters who were seated in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he worried the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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