The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will force the release of official records related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The bill next will be sent to Trump for his endorsement. Trump stated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though the president has for months rejected the uproar over the official management of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the past few days, and stated he would approve it if it comes to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were watching from a House gallery, cheered after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who stated he feared the measure would disclose specific data of people, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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