The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will require the publication of official records associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House relented after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
The public have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next goes to Trump for his signature. Trump stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for months downplayed the uproar over the official management of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and said he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he feared the measure would reveal identifying details of people, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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