The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will require the publication of case documents concerning 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 Republican allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
This legislation next goes to Trump for his endorsement. Trump signaled on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Though the president has for months dismissed the outcry over the official management of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were seated in a public section, applauded after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would reveal specific data of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
Additional Headlines
- Trump is under fire for calling a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation aboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge blocks ‘discriminatory’ maps in the state of Texas that awarded Republicans extra districts.
- A significant number of Department of Education's responsibilities moved to different agencies as part of administration efforts.
- Raids extend to North Carolina capital, with local officials confirming ongoing activities.
