The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will force the release of official records concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to block the joint action involving a case that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have waited long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next will be sent to Donald Trump for his endorsement. He indicated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Though the president has for months dismissed the uproar over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the past few days, and announced he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Response
Democrats, along with victims and their representatives who were seated in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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