The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of official records related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. The White House relented after months of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
The public have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The measure next will be sent to Donald Trump for his endorsement. The president indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though the president has for months dismissed the controversy over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the weekend, and announced he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their advocates who were seated in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who said he feared the measure would reveal specific data of people, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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