The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of official records associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration gave in after months of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The bill next goes to Donald Trump for his endorsement. He signaled on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Though Trump has for months downplayed the uproar over the official management of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with victims and their representatives who were watching from a public section, cheered after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who said he worried the measure would reveal personal information of people, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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