The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will require the publication of official records related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. The White House relented after an extended period of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a case that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next heads to the president for his endorsement. Trump signaled on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for an extended period dismissed the controversy over the official management of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and stated he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their supporters who were watching from a House gallery, cheered after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who stated he was concerned the measure would make public specific data of individuals involved, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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