The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of official records related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House relented after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The bill next goes to Donald Trump for his endorsement. The president stated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for months rejected the uproar over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the past few days, and said he would approve it if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with victims and their advocates who were present in a public section, applauded after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he worried the measure would disclose identifying details of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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