The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will require the publication of official records related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next goes to Donald Trump for his endorsement. The president indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for an extended period dismissed the controversy over the official management of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were present in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he worried the measure would disclose specific data of people, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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