The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will force the release of investigative files associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration relented after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next goes to the president for his endorsement. The president indicated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Even though Trump has for an extended period rejected the uproar over the official management of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their representatives who were seated in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he feared the measure would reveal personal information of people, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
Additional News Updates
- The president receives backlash for calling a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a disagreement aboard Air Force One.
- Judge disallows ‘discriminatory’ maps in the state of Texas that awarded GOP more districts.
- A significant number of US education agency’s authorities transferred to other branches as part of administration efforts.
- Large-scale operations extend to the state's capital, with authorities confirming ongoing activities.
