The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will require the publication of official records associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House gave in after an extended period of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The measure next heads to Trump for his approval. The president stated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though the president has for months rejected the uproar over the official management of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the weekend, and announced he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their advocates who were seated in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he worried the measure would make public personal information of individuals involved, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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