The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will force the release of investigative files associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next will be sent to Trump for his endorsement. Trump signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though the president has for months dismissed the outcry over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with those affected 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 make public specific data of witnesses, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
Additional Headlines
- The president is under fire for calling a journalist as ‘piggy’ during a disagreement onboard Air Force One.
- Judge disallows ‘discriminatory’ maps in Texas that awarded GOP extra districts.
- A significant number of US education agency’s responsibilities moved to different agencies as part of White House efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps move to North Carolina capital, with representatives noting ongoing activities.
