The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will require the publication of official records concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. The administration relented after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a case that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next heads to Trump for his endorsement. The president indicated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Though the president has for months downplayed the controversy over the official management of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Response
Democrats, along with those affected and their representatives who were present in a public section, applauded after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who said he worried the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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