The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of official records concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next heads to Donald Trump for his endorsement. He stated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for months downplayed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the measure over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Response
Democrats, along with victims and their advocates who were seated in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who stated he feared the measure would reveal personal information of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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