The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of case documents concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team gave in after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The bill next heads to Trump for his approval. Trump stated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for an extended period dismissed the uproar over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with victims and their supporters who were watching from a public section, cheered after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who stated he worried the measure would make public identifying details of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
Additional Headlines
- The president receives backlash for labeling a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a disagreement onboard Air Force One.
- Judge blocks ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in the state of Texas that gave GOP extra districts.
- A significant number of US education agency’s responsibilities moved to different agencies as part of White House efforts.
- Raids extend to the state's capital, with local officials reporting ongoing activities.
