The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will force the release of official records concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House gave in after an extended period of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a case that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have been patient long enough. The survivors have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
This legislation next heads to Donald Trump for his signature. Trump signaled on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though Trump has for months rejected the controversy over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he worried the measure would make public specific data of individuals involved, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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