The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of official records concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next heads to Trump for his signature. He stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for months dismissed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the weekend, and said he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were present in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who stated he feared the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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