The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team relented after an extended period of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
This legislation next will be sent to Donald Trump for his endorsement. Trump signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although Trump has for an extended period downplayed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the weekend, and announced he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their advocates who were seated in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who said he worried the measure would reveal identifying details of individuals involved, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
Additional Headlines
- Trump faces criticism for calling a female Bloomberg reporter as ‘piggy’ during a clash onboard Air Force One.
- Judge disallows ‘discriminatory’ maps in the state of Texas that allocated GOP extra districts.
- A significant number of US education agency’s responsibilities moved to other branches as part of White House efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps expand to North Carolina capital, with representatives confirming ongoing activities.
