The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of official records related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House gave in after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a case that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, expediting the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The bill next heads to Donald Trump for his signature. Trump signaled on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Though the president has for months rejected the outcry over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the weekend, and said he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were present in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he worried the measure would reveal specific data of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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