The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will require the publication of official records concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after an extended period of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
This legislation next will be sent to Donald Trump for his signature. The president stated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for an extended period downplayed the uproar over the official management of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the weekend, and said he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with those affected and their advocates who were watching from a House gallery, cheered after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would reveal identifying details of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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