The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill 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 change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a scandal that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
The public have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next will be sent to the president for his endorsement. He indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Even though the president has for months downplayed the uproar over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Response
Democrats, along with those affected and their supporters who were present in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose identifying details of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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