The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of official records concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a case that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The measure next goes to Trump for his signature. Trump indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though Trump has for an extended period rejected the controversy over the official management of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it comes to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their supporters who were present in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he feared the measure would make public identifying details of individuals involved, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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