The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will force the release of case documents related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. The White House gave in after an extended period of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next goes to the president for his signature. Trump indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for months rejected the controversy over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the weekend, and said he would approve it if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were seated in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he worried the measure would make public identifying details of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
Other Headlines
- Trump receives backlash for labeling a female Bloomberg reporter as ‘piggy’ during a disagreement onboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge disallows ‘discriminatory’ maps in Texas that allocated Republicans additional districts.
- A significant number of US education agency’s authorities moved to other branches as part of White House efforts.
- Raids extend to North Carolina capital, with local officials reporting ongoing activities.
