The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will require the publication of case documents related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. The White House gave in after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a controversy that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The bill next goes to Trump for his approval. He signaled on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for months dismissed the uproar over the official management of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with victims and their representatives who were watching from a House gallery, cheered after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he feared the measure would make public specific data of people, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
Additional Stories
- The president receives backlash for referring to a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation onboard Air Force One.
- Judge rejects ‘discriminatory’ maps in the state of Texas that allocated Republicans additional districts.
- A significant number of Department of Education's powers moved to other federal departments as part of White House efforts.
- Large-scale operations extend to the state's capital, with authorities reporting ongoing activities.
