The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will force the release of official records related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House relented after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have waited long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next heads to Trump for his approval. The president indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for months downplayed the outcry over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and said he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with victims and their advocates who were watching from a House gallery, cheered after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he feared the measure would disclose personal information of people, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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