The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will require the publication of official records related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a case that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next goes to the president for his signature. Trump indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though the president has for an extended period dismissed the controversy over the official management of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and said he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were watching from a viewing area, applauded after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who said he worried the measure would make public specific data of people, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
Other Headlines
- Trump is under fire for labeling a journalist as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation aboard Air Force One.
- Judge blocks ‘discriminatory’ maps in the state of Texas that allocated Republicans additional districts.
- A significant number of US education agency’s authorities moved to other federal departments as part of administration efforts.
- Raids extend to North Carolina capital, with local officials reporting ongoing activities.
