The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of official records associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration relented after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
This legislation next heads to the president for his signature. Trump indicated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though the president has for an extended period rejected the uproar over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were watching from a viewing area, cheered after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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