The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will force the release of investigative files concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House gave in after an extended period of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next heads to the president for his endorsement. He stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for an extended period downplayed the outcry over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were watching from a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he worried the measure would make public identifying details of witnesses, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
Additional Stories
- The president faces criticism for calling a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation onboard Air Force One.
- Judge rejects ‘discriminatory’ maps in the state of Texas that gave GOP more districts.
- Many of US education agency’s authorities moved to other federal departments as part of administration efforts.
- Raids expand to Raleigh, with representatives noting ongoing activities.
