The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will require the publication of official records concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The measure next will be sent to the president for his endorsement. He stated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Even though Trump has for an extended period dismissed the uproar over the official management of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Response
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were present in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who stated he feared the measure would make public personal information of individuals involved, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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