The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team relented after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a case that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
The public have waited long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The measure next goes to the president for his endorsement. Trump indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though the president has for months rejected the outcry over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and announced he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were seated in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose personal information of people, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
Additional Headlines
- Trump is under fire for calling a journalist as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation onboard Air Force One.
- Judge rejects ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in the state of Texas that allocated Republicans extra districts.
- A significant number of US education agency’s powers reassigned to other branches as part of administration efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps extend to North Carolina capital, with authorities confirming ongoing activities.
