The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will require the publication of official records concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. The administration gave in after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next will be sent to the president for his signature. The president signaled on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Although Trump has for an extended period downplayed the uproar over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the weekend, and announced he would approve it if it comes to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were seated in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would make public specific data of individuals involved, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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