The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of official records concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The bill next goes to the president for his approval. The president indicated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Although Trump has for an extended period dismissed the controversy over the official management of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their representatives who were seated in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who stated he feared the measure would reveal specific data of people, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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