The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of case documents related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration relented after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have been patient long enough. The survivors have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next goes to Trump for his approval. He stated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Though the president has for months rejected the uproar over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Response
The Democratic party, along with victims and their advocates who were present in a public section, cheered after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he worried the measure would reveal specific data of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
Other Stories
- Trump faces criticism for labeling a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation onboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge disallows ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in the state of Texas that gave Republicans additional districts.
- Many of US education agency’s authorities moved to different agencies as part of White House efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps move to the state's capital, with representatives noting ongoing activities.
