The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of official records concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. The administration relented after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The measure next heads to Donald Trump for his endorsement. Trump stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for months downplayed the uproar over the official management of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the weekend, and said he would approve it if it comes to him.
Response
Democrats, along with victims and their representatives who were watching from a House gallery, applauded after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would disclose personal information of people, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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