The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will force the release of official records associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House changed course after months of trying to block the joint action involving a case that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
This legislation next heads to Trump for his approval. The president stated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for months dismissed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and announced he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their supporters who were seated in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he worried the measure would reveal specific data of individuals involved, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
Additional Headlines
- Trump is under fire for calling a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation aboard Air Force One.
- Judge rejects ‘discriminatory’ maps in the state of Texas that awarded Republicans additional districts.
- A significant number of US education agency’s powers moved to other federal departments as part of administration efforts.
- Raids expand to Raleigh, with local officials reporting ongoing activities.
