The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will require the publication of official records related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. The administration gave in after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The measure next will be sent to the president for his endorsement. He signaled on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for months dismissed the uproar over the official management of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were present in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose identifying details of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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