The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will require the publication of official records concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
This legislation next goes to the president for his signature. Trump indicated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Even though the president has for months rejected the controversy over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the past few days, and said he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their advocates 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 worried the measure would disclose personal information of witnesses, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
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