The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will require the publication of official records concerning 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 an extended period of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
This legislation next will be sent to the president for his endorsement. He signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although Trump has for an extended period downplayed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and said he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with victims and their representatives who were seated in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would make public identifying details of people, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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