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 almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have been patient long enough. The survivors have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
This legislation next goes to Donald Trump for his signature. He stated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Although Trump has for months rejected the outcry over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it comes to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were watching from a House gallery, cheered after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who stated he feared the measure would disclose specific data of people, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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