The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will require the publication of official records concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a case that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
This legislation next will be sent to Donald Trump for his endorsement. He indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Even though Trump has for months rejected the controversy over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and said he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their representatives who were watching from a public section, applauded after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he worried the measure would reveal identifying details of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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