The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of official records associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a case that has dogged 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 avoids a individual voting process, expediting the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
The public have waited long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
This legislation next goes to Donald Trump for his approval. He indicated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for an extended period downplayed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Response
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were present in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who said he was concerned the measure would make public identifying details of individuals involved, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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