The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will require the publication of official records associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have waited long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next goes to the president for his approval. Trump signaled on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for months downplayed the outcry over the official management of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and announced he would approve it if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were watching from a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose identifying details of witnesses, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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