The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of case documents related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration gave in after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift 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. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next goes to Donald Trump for his approval. The president indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for an extended period downplayed the controversy over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were watching from a viewing area, cheered after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose identifying details of witnesses, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
Other Headlines
- Trump receives backlash for calling a journalist as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation aboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge disallows ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in Texas that awarded Republicans extra districts.
- A significant number of Department of Education's authorities reassigned to different agencies as part of administration efforts.
- Large-scale operations expand to the state's capital, with local officials noting ongoing activities.
