The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of official records related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. The White House gave in after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next will be sent to Donald Trump for his endorsement. He signaled on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Though the president has for months downplayed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Response
The Democratic party, along with victims and their advocates who were seated in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who said he was concerned the measure would make public specific data of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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