The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of official records associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The bill next will be sent to the president for his signature. He signaled on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though Trump has for months dismissed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the past few days, and said he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their representatives who were watching from a House gallery, cheered after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he worried the measure would disclose identifying details of individuals involved, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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