The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will require the publication of official records related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the lower house 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 scandal that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
This legislation next will be sent to the president for his signature. Trump indicated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Even though the president has for an extended period downplayed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with those affected and their representatives who were seated in a public section, cheered after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who said he feared the measure would disclose identifying details of witnesses, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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