The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will require the publication of case documents associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next heads to Trump for his endorsement. The president indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Even though Trump has for an extended period downplayed the uproar over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and said he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were watching from a viewing area, applauded after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who said he worried the measure would disclose personal information of individuals involved, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
Additional Headlines
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- Federal judge rejects ‘discriminatory’ maps in Texas that gave GOP extra districts.
- A significant number of US education agency’s authorities reassigned to different agencies as part of White House efforts.
- Large-scale operations extend to the state's capital, with representatives reporting ongoing activities.
