The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of case documents associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration gave in after an extended period of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking 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. Trump indicated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for months rejected the outcry over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the weekend, and announced he would approve it if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their representatives who were seated in a public section, applauded after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who said he was concerned the measure would reveal personal information of people, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
Other News Updates
- Trump is under fire for referring to a female Bloomberg reporter as ‘piggy’ during a disagreement onboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge blocks ‘discriminatory’ maps in the state of Texas that gave Republicans additional districts.
- Many of US education agency’s powers transferred to other branches as part of administration efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps expand to Raleigh, with representatives reporting ongoing activities.
