The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will force the release of official records associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team gave in after months of trying to block the joint action involving a case that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have waited long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The measure next will be sent to Donald Trump for his signature. He stated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though Trump has for months downplayed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with victims and their representatives who were watching from a viewing area, cheered after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who stated he worried the measure would reveal personal information of people, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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