The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will force the release of official records related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump 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 return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next heads to Donald Trump for his signature. The president indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Even though the president has for months dismissed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would approve it if it comes to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were seated in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who stated he worried the measure would make public identifying details of individuals involved, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
Other News Updates
- The president faces criticism for referring to a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a disagreement onboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge disallows ‘discriminatory’ maps in Texas that awarded Republicans extra districts.
- Many of Department of Education's powers reassigned to other federal departments as part of administration efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps extend to Raleigh, with representatives confirming ongoing activities.
