The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will require the publication of official records related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next will be sent to Donald Trump for his approval. Trump indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though the president has for months dismissed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the weekend, and announced he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with victims and their advocates who were present in a public section, cheered after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he feared the measure would make public identifying details of people, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
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