The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will force the release of investigative files concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House changed course after months of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
This legislation next will be sent to Trump for his signature. The president signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although Trump has for months downplayed the controversy over the official management of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Response
Democrats, along with victims and their supporters who were present in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose specific data of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
Other Headlines
- Trump faces criticism for referring to a female Bloomberg reporter as ‘piggy’ during a disagreement aboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge blocks ‘discriminatory’ maps in the state of Texas that awarded GOP more districts.
- Many of Department of Education's authorities moved to different agencies as part of administration efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps move to North Carolina capital, with authorities reporting ongoing activities.
