The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will require the publication of investigative files associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next goes to Donald Trump for his signature. The president indicated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Though the president has for an extended period downplayed the outcry over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the past few days, and said he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were seated in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he feared the measure would make public specific data of people, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
Other News Updates
- The president is under fire for referring to a journalist as ‘piggy’ during a disagreement aboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge disallows ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in the state of Texas that awarded Republicans more districts.
- Many of US education agency’s powers transferred to other branches as part of administration efforts.
- Large-scale operations expand to North Carolina capital, with representatives noting ongoing activities.
