The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of official records concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a case that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have waited long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next goes to the president for his signature. The president indicated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for months downplayed the controversy over the official management of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their supporters who were seated in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he feared the measure would make public specific data of people, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
Additional Headlines
- The president receives backlash for labeling a female Bloomberg reporter as ‘piggy’ during a clash onboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge rejects ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in the state of Texas that awarded GOP extra districts.
- A significant number of US education agency’s authorities moved to other federal departments as part of administration efforts.
- Large-scale operations extend to the state's capital, with authorities reporting ongoing activities.
