The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will require the publication of official records concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration gave in after months of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next heads to the president for his endorsement. The president stated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for months rejected the controversy over the official management of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their advocates who were watching from a public section, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would reveal identifying details of witnesses, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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