The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will require the publication of official records concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration relented after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a case that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating 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 address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next will be sent to Trump for his approval. He signaled on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for months dismissed the uproar over the official management of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and stated he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Response
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their advocates who were seated in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would disclose personal information of witnesses, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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