The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will force the release of official records associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
This legislation next will be sent to the president for his approval. The president indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Even though the president has for an extended period downplayed the outcry over the official management of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their advocates who were watching from a House gallery, applauded after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he worried the measure would reveal identifying details of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
Additional Stories
- Trump faces criticism for labeling a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a clash aboard Air Force One.
- Judge rejects ‘discriminatory’ maps in the state of Texas that awarded Republicans extra districts.
- Many of US education agency’s responsibilities transferred to different agencies as part of White House efforts.
- Raids expand to North Carolina capital, with representatives confirming ongoing activities.
