The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of official records associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a controversy that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next heads to Donald Trump for his endorsement. He stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Even though the president has for an extended period dismissed the uproar over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were watching from a public section, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who stated he feared the measure would reveal specific data of people, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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