The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will require the publication of case documents related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House gave in after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
This legislation next heads to Donald Trump for his signature. The president signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for months downplayed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their representatives who were watching from a viewing area, cheered after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he worried the measure would make public personal information of people, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
Additional News Updates
- The president is under fire for calling a journalist as ‘piggy’ during a disagreement aboard Air Force One.
- Judge disallows ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in the state of Texas that awarded GOP extra districts.
- Many of US education agency’s powers moved to other federal departments as part of White House efforts.
- Raids expand to North Carolina capital, with local officials confirming ongoing activities.
