The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will force the release of investigative files concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have been patient long enough. The survivors have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
This legislation next heads to the president for his signature. Trump indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though the president has for months dismissed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the weekend, and said he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were present in a public section, cheered after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he was concerned the measure would reveal identifying details of individuals involved, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
Other News Updates
- The president is under fire for calling a female Bloomberg reporter as ‘piggy’ during a disagreement aboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge rejects ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in Texas that awarded GOP additional districts.
- A significant number of US education agency’s responsibilities moved to other branches as part of White House efforts.
- Large-scale operations expand to Raleigh, with authorities reporting ongoing activities.
