The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of official records related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The bill next will be sent to the president for his signature. He stated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Although Trump has for months downplayed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were present in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who said he worried the measure would make public personal information of people, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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