The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will require the publication of official records concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have been patient long enough. The survivors have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
This legislation next will be sent to Trump for his approval. Trump stated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though the president has for months dismissed the controversy over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the weekend, 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 present in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he worried the measure would reveal identifying details of individuals involved, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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