The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of case documents concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have waited long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The bill next heads to Donald Trump for his approval. The president stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for an extended period dismissed the outcry over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with victims and their supporters who were seated in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he was concerned the measure would disclose identifying details of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
Other Headlines
- Trump receives backlash for calling a female Bloomberg reporter as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation aboard Air Force One.
- Judge disallows ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in Texas that gave GOP more districts.
- A significant number of US education agency’s authorities reassigned to other branches as part of administration efforts.
- Raids extend to North Carolina capital, with representatives reporting ongoing activities.
