The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of official records concerning 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 an extended period of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a case that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next heads to the president for his approval. He indicated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Though the president has for months downplayed the uproar over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and stated he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with victims and their supporters who were seated in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who stated he feared the measure would reveal specific data of people, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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