The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will require the publication of official records related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next goes to Donald Trump for his approval. He stated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for months downplayed the controversy over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with those affected and their representatives who were present in a public section, cheered after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he worried the measure would reveal specific data of witnesses, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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