The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of case documents associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have waited long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The bill next heads to Donald Trump for his signature. The president stated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for an extended period dismissed the controversy over the official management of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the past few days, and said 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 House gallery, cheered after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he worried the measure would reveal specific data of people, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
Other News Updates
- Trump receives backlash for calling a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a disagreement onboard Air Force One.
- Judge disallows ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in the state of Texas that awarded GOP extra districts.
- Many of US education agency’s authorities moved to other branches as part of administration efforts.
- Raids move to the state's capital, with local officials noting ongoing activities.
