The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will require the publication of official records associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team relented after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a scandal that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next goes to Trump for his endorsement. Trump stated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Even though Trump has for months downplayed the controversy over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and announced he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Response
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were present in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he feared the measure would disclose specific data of people, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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