The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will require the publication of official records concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The bill next will be sent to Donald Trump for his approval. Trump signaled on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for months rejected the outcry over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their advocates who were watching from a public section, cheered after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he was concerned the measure would disclose specific data of witnesses, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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