The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of case documents concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next goes to Donald Trump for his approval. Trump indicated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Though Trump has for months downplayed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the past few days, and announced he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their supporters who were present in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would make public identifying details of witnesses, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
Additional News Updates
- The president receives backlash for labeling a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a disagreement aboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge disallows ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in the state of Texas that gave GOP additional districts.
- A significant number of US education agency’s authorities moved to other branches as part of White House efforts.
- Large-scale operations extend to the state's capital, with representatives confirming ongoing activities.
