The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will require the publication of official records concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next heads to Donald Trump for his signature. Trump indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Though the president has for months dismissed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and said he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with victims and their advocates who were present in a public section, cheered after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who stated he was concerned the measure would make public specific data of people, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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