The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will force the release of official records concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration relented after months of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have waited long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next goes to Trump for his signature. He indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for months rejected the uproar over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with victims and their supporters who were present in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would make public specific data of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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