The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of official records related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have waited long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
The bill next goes to Trump for his approval. He signaled on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Even though Trump has for months rejected the uproar over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their supporters who were present in a public section, cheered after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would disclose specific data of people, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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