The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will force the release of official records related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a case that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next goes to the president for his approval. Trump signaled on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Though Trump has for months dismissed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the weekend, and said he would approve it if it comes to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would make public identifying details of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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