The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will require the publication of investigative files concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House changed course after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The bill next heads to Trump for his signature. Trump signaled on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Though Trump has for an extended period dismissed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the past few days, and said he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were watching from a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he feared the measure would disclose personal information of people, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
Additional Stories
- Trump receives backlash for referring to a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation onboard Air Force One.
- Judge disallows ‘discriminatory’ maps in the state of Texas that awarded GOP extra districts.
- A significant number of US education agency’s responsibilities reassigned to other branches as part of White House efforts.
- Raids move to North Carolina capital, with authorities reporting ongoing activities.
