The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of official records concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. The White House relented after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The bill next will be sent to Donald Trump for his endorsement. The president signaled on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Even though the president has for an extended period dismissed the outcry over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with those affected and their representatives who were seated in a public section, cheered after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he worried the measure would make public specific data of individuals involved, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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