The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of official records concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
This legislation next goes to the president for his endorsement. The president indicated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for months dismissed the uproar over the official management of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and said he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were present in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose personal information of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
Additional Headlines
- The president is under fire for calling a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation onboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge blocks ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in the state of Texas that gave Republicans extra districts.
- A significant number of Department of Education's authorities transferred to different agencies as part of White House efforts.
- Large-scale operations expand to the state's capital, with representatives reporting ongoing activities.
