The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of official records associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have waited long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next goes to the president for his signature. He signaled on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though the president has for months dismissed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and said he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Response
Democrats, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a public section, applauded after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who said he was concerned the measure would make public identifying details of witnesses, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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