The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will require the publication of official records related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration relented after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a scandal that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next goes to Trump for his endorsement. He signaled on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Even though the president has for months downplayed the uproar over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and stated he would approve it if it comes to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their supporters who were present in a public section, cheered after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he feared the measure would disclose personal information of people, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
Additional News Updates
- Trump is under fire for referring to a journalist as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation aboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge blocks ‘discriminatory’ maps in the state of Texas that allocated Republicans more districts.
- Many of Department of Education's powers moved to different agencies as part of administration efforts.
- Raids move to North Carolina capital, with representatives reporting ongoing activities.
