The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will require the publication of official records related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
This legislation next will be sent to the president for his endorsement. He indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Even though the president has for an extended period dismissed the controversy over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with victims and their supporters who were seated in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who said he feared the measure would make public specific data of witnesses, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
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