The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of official records related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. The administration gave in after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a scandal that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next heads to Trump for his approval. He indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for months dismissed the outcry over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with victims and their representatives who were seated in a public section, cheered after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he feared the measure would make public identifying details of witnesses, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
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