The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will require the publication of official records concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a case that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
This legislation next heads to the president for his endorsement. Trump indicated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Though the president has for an extended period dismissed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with victims and their advocates who were seated in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he feared the measure would make public identifying details of witnesses, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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