The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of official records concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have been patient long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
This legislation next heads to Donald Trump for his endorsement. The president indicated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Though Trump has for an extended period downplayed the outcry over the official management of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Response
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were seated in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who stated he feared the measure would make public personal information of individuals involved, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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