The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will force the release of case documents associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have waited long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next goes to Donald Trump for his endorsement. The president indicated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Even though Trump has for an extended period rejected the outcry over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their supporters who were watching from a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he was concerned the measure would reveal identifying details of people, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
Other News Updates
- Trump faces criticism for labeling a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation aboard Air Force One.
- Judge rejects ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in the state of Texas that awarded GOP extra districts.
- A significant number of Department of Education's authorities transferred to other branches as part of White House efforts.
- Raids extend to the state's capital, with authorities confirming ongoing activities.
