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The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will require the publication of official records associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House gave in after an extended period of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.

Unanimous Passage in Congress

The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.

“The American people have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”

Presidential Signature

This legislation next goes to the president for his endorsement. Trump indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.

Though the president has for months rejected the uproar over the official management of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it is presented to him.

Support and Opposition

Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their supporters who were present in a public section, cheered after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he feared the measure would disclose identifying details of people, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.

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