The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will force the release of official records associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
The public have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The measure next heads to Trump for his approval. The president stated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for months dismissed the uproar over the official management of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with victims and their representatives who were watching from a viewing area, applauded after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who said he worried the measure would disclose personal information of individuals involved, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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