The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of official records associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a case that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next heads to Donald Trump for his approval. The president signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for an extended period dismissed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the past few days, and said he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were present in a public section, applauded after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who said he feared the measure would disclose identifying details of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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