The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will force the release of official records associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House gave in after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a controversy that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
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 passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The bill next goes to Donald Trump for his approval. He stated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for months rejected the uproar over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the past few days, and stated he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their representatives who were watching from a House gallery, cheered after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who said he worried the measure would reveal personal information of people, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
Additional News Updates
- Trump faces criticism for calling a journalist as ‘piggy’ during a clash aboard Air Force One.
- Judge blocks ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in Texas that allocated Republicans additional districts.
- Many of Department of Education's authorities moved to other federal departments as part of administration efforts.
- Large-scale operations extend to Raleigh, with representatives confirming ongoing activities.
