The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will force the release of official records related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. The White House gave in after an extended period of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The measure next heads to Donald Trump for his approval. He indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for an extended period downplayed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the past few days, and announced he would approve it if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were seated in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who said he was concerned the measure would reveal identifying details of individuals involved, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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