The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of official records concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to block the joint action involving a controversy that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next heads to Donald Trump for his endorsement. The president signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for months dismissed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the weekend, and said he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their advocates who were present in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose identifying details of people, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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