The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will force the release of case documents associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The measure next heads to the president for his endorsement. Trump stated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for an extended period dismissed the outcry over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and said he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were seated in a public section, applauded after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who said he worried the measure would reveal specific data of individuals involved, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
Additional Stories
- Trump faces criticism for calling a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a clash aboard Air Force One.
- Judge rejects ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in Texas that gave GOP more districts.
- A significant number of Department of Education's powers moved to other federal departments as part of White House efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps extend to Raleigh, with representatives noting ongoing activities.
