The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will require the publication of case documents associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. The White House gave in after an extended period of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next heads to the president for his signature. Trump stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though the president has for an extended period dismissed the controversy over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their supporters who were seated in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he feared the measure would reveal identifying details of witnesses, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
Other News Updates
- Trump receives backlash for calling a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation aboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge rejects ‘discriminatory’ maps in the state of Texas that allocated Republicans extra districts.
- Many of Department of Education's powers transferred to other federal departments as part of White House efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps move to North Carolina capital, with local officials noting ongoing activities.
