The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will force the release of official records associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House relented after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
This legislation next heads to Trump for his signature. The president indicated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though Trump has for months rejected the uproar over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their representatives who were present in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he worried the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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