The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will force the release of official records related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House gave in after an extended period of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have been patient long enough. The survivors have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
This legislation next will be sent to the president for his approval. The president indicated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for months downplayed the outcry over the official management of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their advocates who were seated in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he was concerned the measure would reveal identifying details of people, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
Additional News Updates
- The president faces criticism for labeling a female Bloomberg reporter as ‘piggy’ during a clash aboard Air Force One.
- Judge blocks ‘discriminatory’ maps in Texas that allocated GOP extra districts.
- Many of Department of Education's responsibilities moved to other federal departments as part of White House efforts.
- Raids move to Raleigh, with authorities confirming ongoing activities.
