The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will require the publication of case documents concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration relented after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The bill next heads to Trump for his signature. He signaled on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for an extended period rejected the controversy over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and said he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their advocates who were present in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would reveal specific data of individuals involved, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
Other News Updates
- The president receives backlash for referring to a journalist as ‘piggy’ during a clash onboard Air Force One.
- Judge disallows ‘discriminatory’ maps in Texas that allocated GOP extra districts.
- Many of Department of Education's powers moved to other federal departments as part of White House efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps extend to North Carolina capital, with representatives reporting ongoing activities.
