The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will force the release of official records related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. The White House changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next will be sent to Trump for his endorsement. The president signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for an extended period rejected the controversy over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the weekend, and announced he would approve it if it comes to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with victims and their supporters who were seated in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he feared the measure would reveal identifying details of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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