The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of official records related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team relented after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action 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 does not require a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have waited long enough. The survivors have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
This legislation next will be sent to Trump for his approval. Trump indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Though Trump has for an extended period rejected the controversy over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the past few days, and said he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with victims and their supporters who were present in a public section, cheered after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would disclose identifying details of witnesses, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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