The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will require the publication of investigative files related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. The administration relented after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a controversy that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The measure next heads to Donald Trump for his endorsement. He signaled on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for months rejected the outcry over the official management of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the measure over the past few days, and stated he would approve it if it comes to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with victims and their supporters who were present in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he feared the measure would make public identifying details of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
Other Stories
- Trump receives backlash for referring to a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a clash aboard Air Force One.
- Judge blocks ‘discriminatory’ maps in the state of Texas that awarded Republicans additional districts.
- Many of US education agency’s authorities transferred to different agencies as part of administration efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps expand to the state's capital, with local officials confirming ongoing activities.
