The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay 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 US House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. The White House changed course after months of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The measure next goes to the president for his signature. He indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Though the president has for an extended period dismissed the controversy over the official management of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their representatives who were seated in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who said he feared the measure would disclose identifying details of individuals involved, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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