The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will force the release of official records concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, 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 floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
This legislation next will be sent to Donald Trump for his signature. Trump indicated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though Trump has for an extended period downplayed the uproar over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the measure over the past few days, and said he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Democrats, along with victims and their supporters 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 make public personal information of people, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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