The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will require the publication of official records related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a case that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
This legislation next will be sent to the president for his approval. He indicated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for months downplayed the controversy over the official management of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their representatives who were seated in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who stated he feared the measure would make public identifying details of witnesses, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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