The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will require the publication of official records concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. The White House gave in after an extended period of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, expediting the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next goes to Trump for his approval. He indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though the president has for an extended period downplayed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were seated in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he worried the measure would reveal identifying details of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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