The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will require the publication of investigative files associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a case that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require 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. The survivors have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
This legislation next will be sent to the president for his signature. The president indicated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for an extended period downplayed the uproar over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were seated in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who said he feared the measure would disclose personal information of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
Other Stories
- The president is under fire for calling a journalist as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation aboard Air Force One.
- Judge disallows ‘discriminatory’ maps in Texas that allocated GOP additional districts.
- A significant number of Department of Education's authorities moved to different agencies as part of administration efforts.
- Raids expand to Raleigh, with local officials confirming ongoing activities.
