The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next goes to Donald Trump for his approval. He indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Though Trump has for an extended period rejected the controversy over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their advocates who were watching from a public section, broke into applause after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he worried the measure would disclose personal information of people, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
Additional News Updates
- The president is under fire for labeling a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a disagreement onboard Air Force One.
- Judge disallows ‘discriminatory’ maps in the state of Texas that gave Republicans extra districts.
- Many of Department of Education's authorities moved to different agencies as part of administration efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps extend to the state's capital, with authorities reporting ongoing activities.
