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 overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The bill next will be sent to Trump for his endorsement. Trump indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Even though the president has for an extended period dismissed the uproar over the official management of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were watching from a public section, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he feared the measure would make public identifying details of individuals involved, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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