The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of official records related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a case that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have waited long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The bill next heads to Donald Trump for his endorsement. Trump stated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Even though the president has for months dismissed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with victims and their supporters who were seated in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he feared the measure would make public specific data of individuals involved, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
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