The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will require the publication of official records associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
This legislation next goes to the president for his approval. Trump indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Though Trump has for an extended period rejected the controversy over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and announced he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with those affected and their representatives who were seated in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose personal information of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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