The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will force the release of investigative files concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The bill next will be sent to Donald Trump for his approval. He stated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for an extended period downplayed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he worried the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
Additional News Updates
- The president is under fire for referring to a female Bloomberg reporter as ‘piggy’ during a disagreement onboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge blocks ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in Texas that gave GOP more districts.
- A significant number of Department of Education's powers moved to other branches as part of administration efforts.
- Large-scale operations move to Raleigh, with representatives noting ongoing activities.
