The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of case documents associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. The administration relented after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have waited long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The bill next will be sent to Trump for his signature. He indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though the president has for months dismissed the controversy over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and said he would approve it if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their advocates who were watching from a viewing area, applauded after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose personal information of individuals involved, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
Other News Updates
- Trump receives backlash for calling a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a clash onboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge disallows ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in the state of Texas that allocated Republicans more districts.
- Many of Department of Education's responsibilities moved to different agencies as part of administration efforts.
- Large-scale operations move to the state's capital, with local officials confirming ongoing activities.
