The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will require the publication of case documents related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. The White House gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have waited long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
This legislation next heads to the president for his signature. The president indicated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for months dismissed the outcry over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their supporters who were present in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would disclose specific data of people, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
Additional News Updates
- The president faces criticism for labeling a journalist as ‘piggy’ during a clash onboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge blocks ‘discriminatory’ maps in the state of Texas that allocated GOP extra districts.
- A significant number of US education agency’s powers reassigned to other branches as part of administration efforts.
- Raids move to Raleigh, with authorities noting ongoing activities.
