The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will require the publication of official records concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House changed course after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The bill next goes to the president for his signature. The president stated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Though Trump has for months rejected the uproar over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the measure over the past few days, and said he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were present in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he worried the measure would disclose personal information of witnesses, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
Additional Headlines
- Trump receives backlash for labeling a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a clash aboard Air Force One.
- Judge rejects ‘discriminatory’ maps in Texas that awarded GOP additional districts.
- Many of US education agency’s responsibilities transferred to other branches as part of White House efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps extend to North Carolina capital, with authorities noting ongoing activities.
