The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will require the publication of official records related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. The administration relented after months of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has followed 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 recorded vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The bill next goes to Trump for his endorsement. The president indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for an extended period dismissed the controversy over the official management of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would approve it if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with victims and their supporters who were watching from a public section, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose personal information of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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