The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will force the release of official records concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team relented after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a controversy that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The bill next will be sent to Trump for his signature. He signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Even though the president has for an extended period rejected the outcry over the official management of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the past few days, and said he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Response
Democrats, along with those affected and their advocates who were watching from a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would make public identifying details of individuals involved, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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