The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will require the publication of official records related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a case that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The bill next goes to the president for his signature. The president indicated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Even though Trump has for months dismissed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and announced he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their supporters who were watching from a House gallery, applauded after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who stated he feared the measure would disclose personal information of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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