The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will force the release of case documents related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. The White House changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next heads to Trump for his endorsement. The president stated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for an extended period downplayed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were watching from a House gallery, cheered after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he was concerned the measure would reveal identifying details of individuals involved, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
Additional Stories
- Trump is under fire for calling a journalist as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation onboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge rejects ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in Texas that allocated GOP additional districts.
- A significant number of US education agency’s responsibilities transferred to other federal departments as part of administration efforts.
- Raids expand to North Carolina capital, with authorities noting ongoing activities.
