The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will force the release of investigative files related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have waited long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next heads to the president for his endorsement. He stated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for an extended period rejected the outcry over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their advocates who were watching from a public section, cheered after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he worried the measure would make public specific data of individuals involved, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
Additional News Updates
- The president is under fire for labeling a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a clash onboard Air Force One.
- Judge blocks ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in the state of Texas that allocated Republicans more districts.
- Many of US education agency’s authorities reassigned to different agencies as part of administration efforts.
- Large-scale operations expand to Raleigh, with authorities reporting ongoing activities.
