The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of case documents concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have waited long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
The measure next goes to the president for his approval. He stated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Although Trump has for an extended period dismissed the uproar over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “political stunt”, 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
The Democratic party, along with victims and their advocates who were seated in a public section, applauded after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would reveal identifying details of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
Additional News Updates
- The president is under fire for labeling a journalist as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation onboard Air Force One.
- Judge rejects ‘discriminatory’ maps in Texas that allocated GOP additional districts.
- A significant number of Department of Education's responsibilities moved to other federal departments as part of administration efforts.
- Large-scale operations expand to Raleigh, with representatives confirming ongoing activities.
