The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will require the publication of official records related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US 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 delay the joint action involving a controversy that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage 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. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The measure next goes to Trump for his endorsement. The president indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Though the president has for an extended period dismissed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with those affected and their supporters who were seated in a public section, applauded after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would make public specific data of individuals involved, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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