The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of official records related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
This legislation next will be sent to the president for his approval. He stated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Though the president has for an extended period rejected the uproar over the official management of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the weekend, and said he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their supporters who were present in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who said he feared the measure would make public personal information of witnesses, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
Additional Headlines
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- A significant number of Department of Education's authorities moved to other federal departments as part of White House efforts.
- Raids expand to Raleigh, with representatives confirming ongoing activities.
