The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of official records concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. The White House changed course after months of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have waited long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
This legislation next heads to Trump for his endorsement. Trump indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Even though the president has for months dismissed the uproar over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the weekend, and announced he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their supporters who were watching from a House gallery, cheered after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who stated he feared the measure would disclose specific data of people, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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