The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will force the release of official records associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next goes to the president for his signature. Trump signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Even though the president has for an extended period rejected the controversy over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Response
Democrats, along with victims and their advocates who were watching from a viewing area, applauded after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who said he feared the measure would make public specific data of witnesses, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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