Senate Greenlights Bill to Disclose Jeffrey Epstein Documents
The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will force the release of official records associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next heads to Donald Trump for his approval. He signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for an extended period dismissed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were watching from a viewing area, cheered after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he feared the measure would make public personal information of individuals involved, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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