The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of official records associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a case that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have been patient long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The measure next will be sent to the president for his approval. He stated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for an extended period dismissed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the weekend, and said he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who said he worried the measure would disclose identifying details of witnesses, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
Other Headlines
- Trump faces criticism for labeling a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a clash aboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge disallows ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in the state of Texas that allocated Republicans additional districts.
- A significant number of US education agency’s responsibilities transferred to different agencies as part of White House efforts.
- Raids move to Raleigh, with authorities confirming ongoing activities.
