The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will require the publication of official records concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration gave in after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next goes to the president for his signature. Trump signaled on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for an extended period rejected the controversy over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and stated he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their advocates who were present in a public section, cheered after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he feared the measure would disclose identifying details of people, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
Other News Updates
- Trump is under fire for referring to a journalist as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation onboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge disallows ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in Texas that allocated GOP more districts.
- Many of US education agency’s powers reassigned to other branches as part of administration efforts.
- Large-scale operations expand to Raleigh, with local officials reporting ongoing activities.
