The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of official records associated with the late 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 months of trying to block the joint action involving a case that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance 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 been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next goes to Trump for his endorsement. The president signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though the president has for months downplayed the controversy over the official management of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their representatives who were watching from a viewing area, cheered after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he worried the measure would reveal specific data of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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