The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will require the publication of case documents related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. The administration gave in after an extended period of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next goes to Trump for his signature. He indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for an extended period downplayed the outcry over the official management of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with victims and their supporters who were watching from a public section, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he feared the measure would make public personal information of people, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
Additional News Updates
- Trump is under fire for calling a female Bloomberg reporter as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation aboard Air Force One.
- Judge rejects ‘discriminatory’ maps in the state of Texas that awarded Republicans additional districts.
- A significant number of US education agency’s responsibilities reassigned to other branches as part of White House efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps move to North Carolina capital, with representatives noting ongoing activities.
