The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of official records associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House relented after an extended period of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next goes to Donald Trump for his signature. The president signaled on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for months rejected the controversy over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and stated he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their representatives who were present in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who said he worried the measure would disclose specific data of people, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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