The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of official records related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The measure next will be sent to the president for his signature. Trump signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for months dismissed the uproar over the official management of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a public section, cheered after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who said he was concerned the measure would disclose personal information of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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