The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of official records associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance 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.
Citizens have waited long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next goes to the president for his approval. The president signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though Trump has for an extended period rejected the uproar over the official management of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the past few days, and stated he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their representatives who were watching from a viewing area, applauded after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would make public personal information of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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