Senate Greenlights Bill to Make Public Epstein Records
The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of official records related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have waited long enough. The survivors have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next will be sent to the president for his endorsement. Trump stated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Though Trump has for months rejected the controversy over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and said he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with those affected and their supporters who were present in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who said he feared the measure would make public personal information of witnesses, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
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