The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of official records related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. The White House changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
The public have waited long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
This legislation next will be sent to Donald Trump for his approval. The president indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though Trump has for months dismissed the uproar over the official management of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and stated he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were seated in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he worried the measure would make public personal information of individuals involved, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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