The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will force the release of official records related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
The public have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next goes to the president for his signature. He indicated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Even though the president has for months rejected the uproar over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the past few days, and said he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with victims and their advocates who were present in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who said he was concerned the measure would disclose personal information of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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