The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of official records associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House changed course after an extended period of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a case that has plagued 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 formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The bill next goes to the president for his approval. The president signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though Trump has for months dismissed the controversy over the official management of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their representatives who were present in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he was concerned the measure would reveal identifying details of individuals involved, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
Additional Stories
- Trump receives backlash for referring to a female Bloomberg reporter as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation onboard Air Force One.
- Judge disallows ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in Texas that allocated Republicans extra districts.
- Many of US education agency’s authorities reassigned to other branches as part of administration efforts.
- Large-scale operations move to Raleigh, with local officials noting ongoing activities.
