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 change of position by the president and his GOP allies. The White House gave in after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have waited long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The bill next will be sent to Donald Trump for his approval. Trump signaled on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for months downplayed the controversy over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their supporters who were present in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would reveal specific data of witnesses, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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