The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will require the publication of official records associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team relented after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a case that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
This legislation next goes to Trump for his approval. The president indicated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though the president has for an extended period rejected the uproar over the official management of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the weekend, and announced he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were watching from a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who stated he was concerned the measure would make public personal information of people, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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