The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of official records associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House relented after months of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have waited long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The bill next goes to Donald Trump for his signature. He signaled on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for months rejected the uproar over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and said he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were seated in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose specific data of people, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
Additional News Updates
- The president faces criticism for labeling a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a clash onboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge disallows ‘discriminatory’ maps in the state of Texas that gave GOP additional districts.
- A significant number of Department of Education's responsibilities transferred to other federal departments as part of administration efforts.
- Large-scale operations extend to the state's capital, with local officials reporting ongoing activities.
