The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will require the publication of official records related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House changed course after months of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a case that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have waited long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
This legislation next heads to Donald Trump for his signature. He indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for an extended period rejected the controversy over the authorities' approach of the investigation 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.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with those affected and their supporters who were watching from a House gallery, applauded after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who stated he feared the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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