The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will require the publication of official records associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The bill next goes to Trump for his signature. Trump indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for an extended period downplayed the uproar over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their supporters who were watching from a viewing area, applauded after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he worried the measure would disclose personal information of people, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
Additional News Updates
- The president receives backlash for calling a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation aboard Air Force One.
- Judge rejects ‘discriminatory’ maps in Texas that awarded Republicans more districts.
- Many of Department of Education's responsibilities reassigned to other federal departments as part of administration efforts.
- Raids move to the state's capital, with representatives reporting ongoing activities.
