The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will force the release of official records associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have waited long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The bill next heads to the president for his approval. Trump stated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Though Trump has for months dismissed the controversy over the official management of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their advocates who were seated in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who said he was concerned the measure would disclose specific data of witnesses, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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