The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will force the release of case documents related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next heads to Donald Trump for his endorsement. Trump signaled on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Even though Trump has for months downplayed the controversy over the official management of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were seated in a public section, applauded 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 individuals involved, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
Additional Stories
- Trump is under fire for labeling a female Bloomberg reporter as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation onboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge blocks ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in the state of Texas that awarded Republicans additional districts.
- Many of Department of Education's responsibilities reassigned to other federal departments as part of administration efforts.
- Raids expand to the state's capital, with representatives reporting ongoing activities.
