The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will force the release of official records associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The bill next goes to Trump for his approval. Trump indicated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for an extended period rejected the outcry over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their advocates who were seated in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who said he worried the measure would disclose identifying details of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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