The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will force the release of case documents related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have waited long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next will be sent to Trump for his signature. Trump signaled on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for an extended period dismissed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Response
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were present in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who stated he feared the measure would make public personal information of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
Additional News Updates
- Trump is under fire for labeling a journalist as ‘piggy’ during a clash onboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge disallows ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in the state of Texas that allocated GOP additional districts.
- Many of US education agency’s responsibilities moved to other federal departments as part of White House efforts.
- Large-scale operations extend to North Carolina capital, with authorities noting ongoing activities.
