The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will force the release of official records associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have been patient long enough. The survivors have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
The measure next will be sent to the president for his approval. He indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though Trump has for months downplayed the controversy over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with those affected and their supporters who were present in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he worried the measure would disclose identifying details of witnesses, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
Additional News Updates
- The president faces criticism for referring to a female Bloomberg reporter as ‘piggy’ during a clash onboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge blocks ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in Texas that gave GOP additional districts.
- Many of US education agency’s responsibilities reassigned to other branches as part of administration efforts.
- Raids move to Raleigh, with authorities confirming ongoing activities.
