The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of official records concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House relented after an extended period of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
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 asking the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The measure next heads to Donald Trump for his approval. Trump indicated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Although Trump has for months dismissed the controversy over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were seated in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he feared the measure would make public identifying details of witnesses, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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