The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will force the release of case documents concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House relented after months of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The measure next heads to Donald Trump for his signature. Trump signaled on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Though the president has for months rejected the uproar over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their representatives who were seated in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who said he feared the measure would reveal specific data of witnesses, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
Other Stories
- Trump receives backlash for referring to a journalist as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation aboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge blocks ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in Texas that allocated Republicans more districts.
- Many of US education agency’s powers transferred to other branches as part of White House efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps expand to the state's capital, with authorities reporting ongoing activities.
