The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of case documents associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next heads to the president for his approval. Trump indicated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though the president has for an extended period rejected the outcry over the official management of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he feared the measure would disclose identifying details of people, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
Other News Updates
- The president faces criticism for labeling a journalist as ‘piggy’ during a clash onboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge blocks ‘discriminatory’ maps in Texas that gave Republicans more districts.
- A significant number of Department of Education's authorities moved to other federal departments as part of White House efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps extend to Raleigh, with local officials noting ongoing activities.
