The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will force the release of case documents associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. The White House relented after months of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have waited long enough. The survivors have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The measure next heads to Donald Trump for his endorsement. He stated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Though the president has for an extended period rejected the controversy over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and said he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were watching from a viewing area, cheered after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who said he worried the measure would reveal personal information of witnesses, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
Other News Updates
- The president faces criticism for labeling a female Bloomberg reporter as ‘piggy’ during a clash onboard Air Force One.
- Judge rejects ‘discriminatory’ maps in Texas that allocated GOP additional districts.
- A significant number of US education agency’s powers transferred to other branches as part of White House efforts.
- Large-scale operations move to North Carolina capital, with representatives noting ongoing activities.
