The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of official records associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House relented after an extended period of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
This legislation next heads to Donald Trump for his approval. He indicated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Even though Trump has for months downplayed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the measure over the past few days, and said he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their advocates who were present in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who stated he was concerned the measure would make public personal information of people, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
Other News Updates
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- Mass federal immigration sweeps expand to Raleigh, with representatives reporting ongoing activities.
