The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will force the release of official records associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The bill next will be sent to Trump for his signature. Trump signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although Trump has for months rejected the uproar over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their representatives who were present in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he worried the measure would disclose identifying details of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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