The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will force the release of investigative files related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
This legislation next will be sent to the president for his approval. He indicated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for an extended period rejected the controversy over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the past few days, and said he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose specific data of people, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
Additional Headlines
- The president faces criticism for referring to a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a clash aboard Air Force One.
- Judge disallows ‘discriminatory’ maps in Texas that allocated Republicans additional districts.
- Many of US education agency’s authorities moved to other branches as part of administration efforts.
- Raids expand to the state's capital, with local officials noting ongoing activities.
