The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will force the release of official records concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
This legislation next goes to Donald Trump for his endorsement. Trump stated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for an extended period downplayed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with victims and their advocates who were present in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who said he feared the measure would make public specific data of people, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
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