The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will require the publication of official records concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team gave in after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a case that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next will be sent to Donald Trump for his endorsement. He signaled on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Though Trump has for months rejected the controversy over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were present in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he worried the measure would make public specific data of witnesses, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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