The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of official records concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration relented after months of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The bill next will be sent to Donald Trump for his endorsement. The president indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although Trump has for months dismissed the uproar over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would approve it if it comes to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with victims and their advocates who were watching from a viewing area, applauded after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he worried the measure would reveal personal information of people, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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