The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will require the publication of case documents associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team relented after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, 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 near-unanimous vote.
The public have been patient long enough. The survivors have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next heads to Trump for his signature. He indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Though the president has for months dismissed the uproar over the official management of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and stated he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with victims and their advocates who were seated in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he worried the measure would reveal personal information of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
Additional Headlines
- Trump is under fire for calling a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a disagreement onboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge disallows ‘discriminatory’ maps in the state of Texas that gave Republicans extra districts.
- Many of US education agency’s authorities transferred to other branches as part of administration efforts.
- Large-scale operations expand to Raleigh, with authorities confirming ongoing activities.
