Senate Approves Bill to Release Jeffrey Epstein Records
The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of case documents concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to block the joint action involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have waited long enough. The survivors have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The bill next will be sent to the president for his approval. He stated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Though the president has for an extended period dismissed the uproar over the official management of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and said he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with those affected and their advocates who were present in a public section, cheered after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who stated he was concerned the measure would reveal specific data of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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