The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will require the publication of official records concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
This legislation next goes to the president for his approval. He stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for an extended period downplayed the uproar over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the past few days, and said he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with victims and their advocates who were present in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would reveal identifying details of people, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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