The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will require the publication of official records related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House relented after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The bill next goes to Trump for his approval. The president signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for an extended period rejected the controversy over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were seated in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would make public identifying details of people, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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