The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will force the release of case documents associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House relented after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
The public have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next will be sent to Donald Trump for his signature. The president stated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Even though the president has for months rejected the outcry over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the measure over the past few days, and stated he would approve it if it comes to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with victims and their advocates who were seated in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he worried the measure would make public personal information of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
Other News Updates
- Trump faces criticism for referring to a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a clash aboard Air Force One.
- Judge rejects ‘discriminatory’ maps in Texas that gave GOP extra districts.
- Many of US education agency’s powers transferred to other branches as part of administration efforts.
- Raids expand to Raleigh, with authorities reporting ongoing activities.
