The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will require the publication of official records associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The bill next heads to Donald Trump for his signature. The president signaled on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Even though the president has for an extended period rejected the uproar over the official management of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the past few days, and said he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their advocates who were seated in a public section, applauded after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who said he worried the measure would make public identifying details of people, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
Other Headlines
- Trump is under fire for calling a journalist as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation aboard Air Force One.
- Judge rejects ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in Texas that gave Republicans additional districts.
- Many of Department of Education's powers moved to other branches as part of White House efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps extend to North Carolina capital, with representatives confirming ongoing activities.
