The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will require the publication of case documents related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House gave in after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The bill next goes to Trump for his endorsement. He indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for an extended period downplayed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the past few days, and stated he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were present in a public section, applauded after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who stated he feared the measure would disclose specific data of witnesses, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
Additional News Updates
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- Federal judge rejects ‘discriminatory’ maps in the state of Texas that gave Republicans extra districts.
- A significant number of US education agency’s powers moved to other federal departments as part of White House efforts.
- Large-scale operations extend to North Carolina capital, with representatives reporting ongoing activities.
