The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will require the publication of official records related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House gave in after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance 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.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
The bill next will be sent to Donald Trump for his signature. Trump signaled on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for months downplayed the uproar over the official management of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the measure over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their representatives who were seated in a public section, applauded after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he worried the measure would make public specific data of witnesses, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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