The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of official records related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House gave in after months of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
The public have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The bill next will be sent to Trump for his endorsement. The president indicated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for months downplayed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the weekend, and said he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with victims and their supporters who were present in a public section, cheered after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he feared the measure would reveal identifying details of witnesses, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
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