The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will require the publication of official records associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have been patient long enough. The survivors have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
The measure next goes to Trump for his endorsement. He indicated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for an extended period dismissed the controversy over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Response
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their advocates who were seated in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he worried the measure would disclose personal information of witnesses, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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