The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of case documents associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
This legislation next heads to Trump for his signature. He signaled on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Though the president has for an extended period downplayed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and announced he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with victims and their representatives who were watching from a viewing area, cheered after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he feared the measure would make public identifying details of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
Other News Updates
- The president faces criticism for calling a female Bloomberg reporter as ‘piggy’ during a clash onboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge rejects ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in the state of Texas that allocated Republicans extra districts.
- A significant number of Department of Education's powers moved to other federal departments as part of administration efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps move to North Carolina capital, with authorities confirming ongoing activities.
