The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will require the publication of official records concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
This legislation next will be sent to Donald Trump for his endorsement. The president stated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though Trump has for an extended period rejected the uproar over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the past few days, and said he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their supporters who were seated in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he worried the measure would disclose identifying details of people, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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