The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of official records related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have waited long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
This legislation next heads to the president for his approval. He signaled on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Even though the president has for an extended period rejected the controversy over the official management of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and stated he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with those affected and their advocates who were present in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who said he was concerned the measure would make public specific data of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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