The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will require the publication of official records associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
This legislation next heads to Donald Trump for his signature. Trump signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although Trump has for months downplayed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were watching from a viewing area, cheered after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who said he worried the measure would reveal identifying details of witnesses, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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