The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of official records associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. The White House changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have waited long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
This legislation next goes to Trump for his signature. The president indicated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for an extended period downplayed the outcry over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Response
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were watching from a House gallery, cheered after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who said he feared the measure would make public specific data of individuals involved, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
Additional Stories
- Trump is under fire for labeling a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation aboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge rejects ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in Texas that allocated Republicans extra districts.
- A significant number of US education agency’s powers reassigned to other branches as part of administration efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps extend to Raleigh, with local officials reporting ongoing activities.
