The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of official records related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The bill next heads to Trump for his signature. The president indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for months downplayed the controversy over the official management of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the past few days, and said he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were seated in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he feared the measure would reveal identifying details of individuals involved, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
Additional News Updates
- Trump faces criticism for labeling a female Bloomberg reporter as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation onboard Air Force One.
- Judge blocks ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in Texas that allocated GOP extra districts.
- A significant number of US education agency’s responsibilities moved to other federal departments as part of White House efforts.
- Large-scale operations expand to North Carolina capital, with representatives reporting ongoing activities.
