The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will force the release of case documents associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. The White House relented after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have waited long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next will be sent to Donald Trump for his signature. Trump stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though the president has for an extended period downplayed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their advocates who were seated in a public section, applauded after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who stated he worried the measure would make public specific data of individuals involved, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
Other Headlines
- The president faces criticism for referring to a female Bloomberg reporter as ‘piggy’ during a clash aboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge rejects ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in the state of Texas that allocated GOP extra districts.
- Many of US education agency’s powers reassigned to other branches as part of White House efforts.
- Large-scale operations extend to North Carolina capital, with authorities noting ongoing activities.
