The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will require the publication of official records associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have waited long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
This legislation next will be sent to Donald Trump for his endorsement. He signaled on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Even though Trump has for an extended period dismissed the controversy over the official management of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their advocates who were watching from a House gallery, applauded after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he worried the measure would reveal identifying details of individuals involved, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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