The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will require the publication of official records related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. The administration gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The measure next goes to Donald Trump for his endorsement. Trump indicated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Though Trump has for months rejected the uproar over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were seated in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he feared the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
Additional Stories
- Trump receives backlash for labeling a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a disagreement onboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge rejects ‘discriminatory’ maps in Texas that awarded GOP additional districts.
- Many of US education agency’s responsibilities transferred to different agencies as part of White House efforts.
- Large-scale operations extend to the state's capital, with authorities reporting ongoing activities.
