The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will require the publication of investigative files associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The bill next goes to Donald Trump for his signature. He signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although Trump has for months dismissed the controversy over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the weekend, and said he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their representatives who were watching from a House gallery, cheered after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he was concerned the measure would reveal personal information of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
Additional Stories
- Trump faces criticism for calling a journalist as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation onboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge blocks ‘discriminatory’ maps in the state of Texas that allocated Republicans extra districts.
- A significant number of Department of Education's authorities transferred to other federal departments as part of administration efforts.
- Large-scale operations expand to the state's capital, with representatives noting ongoing activities.
