The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of official records related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, 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 Senate Democratic leader declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next will be sent to the president for his signature. He signaled on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for months dismissed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the past few days, and said he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were seated in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who said he worried the measure would make public personal information of individuals involved, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
Additional News Updates
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