The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will require the publication of official records associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens 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 urging the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
The bill next heads to the president for his signature. The president stated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for an extended period downplayed the outcry over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the past few days, and stated he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their representatives who were seated in a public section, applauded after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he feared the measure would disclose personal information of people, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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