The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of case documents related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House gave in after an extended period of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have waited long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next goes to Donald Trump for his endorsement. He signaled on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Though Trump has for months downplayed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the past few days, and said he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were watching from a viewing area, cheered after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would reveal personal information of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
Additional News Updates
- The president is under fire for labeling a female Bloomberg reporter as ‘piggy’ during a disagreement aboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge disallows ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in the state of Texas that allocated GOP additional districts.
- Many of Department of Education's responsibilities moved to other branches as part of White House efforts.
- Large-scale operations extend to North Carolina capital, with representatives reporting ongoing activities.
