The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will force the release of official records related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
The measure next heads to the president for his endorsement. Trump signaled on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Though Trump has for months rejected the outcry over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and said he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were seated in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would reveal personal information of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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