The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will require the publication of case documents concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. The White House relented after months of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval 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 massive majority.
The public have waited long enough. The survivors have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next goes to Donald Trump for his endorsement. He stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though the president has for months rejected the outcry over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the past few days, and said he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a public section, applauded after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he feared the measure would make public identifying details of people, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
Additional News Updates
- Trump faces criticism for labeling a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation onboard Air Force One.
- Judge blocks ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in Texas that gave GOP additional districts.
- Many of US education agency’s responsibilities moved to different agencies as part of administration efforts.
- Large-scale operations expand to Raleigh, with authorities noting ongoing activities.
