The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will require the publication of official records related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. The White House gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded 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 overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have been patient long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
This legislation next goes to Donald Trump for his signature. Trump indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Even though the president has for months rejected the uproar over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the past few days, and said he would approve it if it comes to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were seated in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who said he worried the measure would disclose specific data of witnesses, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
Other News Updates
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