The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of official records associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next will be sent to the president for his signature. The president indicated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for an extended period dismissed the uproar over the official management of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were seated in a public section, cheered after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would reveal specific data of individuals involved, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
Other News Updates
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