The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of official records concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next goes to the president for his endorsement. Trump indicated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Even though Trump has for months rejected the uproar over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and said he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were present in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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