The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of official records concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. The White House changed course after months of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
The measure next goes to Donald Trump for his approval. The president stated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though Trump has for months dismissed the outcry over the official management of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the weekend, and said he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who stated he feared the measure would disclose identifying details of individuals involved, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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