The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will require the publication of official records concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration relented after an extended period of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
This legislation next will be sent to Trump for his endorsement. The president stated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Though Trump has for an extended period dismissed the uproar over the official management of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the past few days, and said he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their supporters who were seated in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he feared the measure would disclose identifying details of witnesses, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
Additional News Updates
- Trump is under fire for labeling a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a clash aboard Air Force One.
- Judge blocks ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in the state of Texas that awarded Republicans additional districts.
- A significant number of US education agency’s authorities reassigned to different agencies as part of White House efforts.
- Large-scale operations extend to Raleigh, with representatives reporting ongoing activities.
