The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of case documents related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team relented 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 Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next heads to Trump for his approval. Trump signaled on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Although Trump has for an extended period dismissed the uproar over the official management of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and said he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were present in a public section, cheered after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he feared the measure would reveal specific data of individuals involved, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
Additional Headlines
- The president receives backlash for labeling a female Bloomberg reporter as ‘piggy’ during a clash onboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge disallows ‘discriminatory’ maps in the state of Texas that allocated Republicans additional districts.
- Many of Department of Education's responsibilities moved to other branches as part of White House efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps expand to the state's capital, with local officials confirming ongoing activities.
