The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will force the release of official records associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. The administration gave in after months of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
This legislation next heads to Donald Trump for his signature. Trump stated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Even though the president has for months downplayed the controversy over the official management of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and said he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Democrats, along with those affected and their representatives who were watching from a public section, cheered after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who stated he feared the measure would make public specific data of individuals involved, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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