The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will require the publication of official records concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have waited long enough. The survivors have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next will be sent to the president for his approval. He signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though Trump has for an extended period rejected the uproar over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were watching from a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who said he worried the measure would reveal personal information of individuals involved, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
Additional Stories
- Trump faces criticism for referring to a journalist as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation aboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge blocks ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in Texas that gave Republicans additional districts.
- Many of Department of Education's responsibilities transferred to other branches as part of White House efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps expand to Raleigh, with authorities noting ongoing activities.
