The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of official records related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a case that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next heads to the president for his endorsement. Trump stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though the president has for months downplayed the outcry over the official management of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Response
Democrats, along with those affected and their supporters who were present in a public section, cheered after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he worried the measure would make public personal information of people, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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