The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of case documents concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House relented after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a case that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
The bill next heads to Donald Trump for his signature. He stated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for months dismissed the uproar over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their advocates who were present in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he feared the measure would reveal specific data of people, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
Other News Updates
- Trump is under fire for labeling a female Bloomberg reporter as ‘piggy’ during a clash onboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge blocks ‘discriminatory’ maps in the state of Texas that awarded Republicans more districts.
- Many of US education agency’s authorities moved to different agencies as part of White House efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps expand to Raleigh, with local officials reporting ongoing activities.
