The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will force the release of investigative files associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a case that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The bill next heads to Trump for his endorsement. The president signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though Trump has for months downplayed the uproar over the official management of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their supporters who were present in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who stated he worried the measure would disclose identifying details of people, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
Additional News Updates
- The president is under fire for calling a female Bloomberg reporter as ‘piggy’ during a disagreement aboard Air Force One.
- Judge rejects ‘discriminatory’ maps in the state of Texas that allocated GOP more districts.
- A significant number of US education agency’s authorities reassigned to other branches as part of administration efforts.
- Large-scale operations extend to North Carolina capital, with representatives confirming ongoing activities.
