The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of official records related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House gave in after an extended period of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next will be sent to Trump for his signature. He indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for an extended period downplayed the uproar over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and said he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who said he worried the measure would make public identifying details of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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