The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of official records concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team relented after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The bill next heads to Trump for his endorsement. He stated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for months downplayed the uproar over the official management of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the past few days, and announced he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Response
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were watching from a House gallery, applauded after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he was concerned the measure would reveal identifying details of individuals involved, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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