The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of official records associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration relented after months of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
The public have waited long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next will be sent to Donald Trump for his approval. Trump signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Even though Trump has for an extended period downplayed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and said he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their supporters who were watching from a public section, cheered after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would disclose identifying details of witnesses, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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