The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will require the publication of case documents related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team gave in after months of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The bill next goes to Trump for his endorsement. He signaled on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for an extended period dismissed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were present in a public section, applauded after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would disclose specific data of witnesses, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
Additional Headlines
- Trump receives backlash for calling a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation onboard Air Force One.
- Judge disallows ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in Texas that awarded Republicans more districts.
- Many of US education agency’s powers moved to other federal departments as part of White House efforts.
- Large-scale operations extend to Raleigh, with authorities confirming ongoing activities.
