The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will force the release of investigative files related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a case that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next will be sent to the president for his signature. Trump indicated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Although Trump has for an extended period rejected the controversy over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the weekend, and announced he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their representatives who were present in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who said he worried the measure would make public identifying details of individuals involved, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
Other News Updates
- The president is under fire for referring to a female Bloomberg reporter as ‘piggy’ during a clash onboard Air Force One.
- Judge rejects ‘discriminatory’ maps in Texas that awarded GOP additional districts.
- A significant number of US education agency’s authorities moved to different agencies as part of administration efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps extend to Raleigh, with representatives confirming ongoing activities.
