The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of official records associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have waited long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The measure next goes to Donald Trump for his signature. The president signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for months dismissed the outcry over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the past few days, and said he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their supporters who were watching from a viewing area, applauded after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would make public specific data of people, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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