The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will require the publication of official records concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have waited long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The measure next heads to the president for his approval. The president indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for an extended period downplayed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and announced he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were present in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who said he was concerned the measure would make public specific data of witnesses, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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