The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will force the release of official records concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. The administration relented after months of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The bill next goes to Trump for his signature. He indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for an extended period downplayed the uproar over the official management of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the weekend, and announced he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their advocates who were watching from a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he was concerned the measure would make public identifying details of witnesses, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
Other Headlines
- The president faces criticism for calling a journalist as ‘piggy’ during a clash onboard Air Force One.
- Judge blocks ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in the state of Texas that awarded GOP additional districts.
- A significant number of US education agency’s responsibilities moved to different agencies as part of administration efforts.
- Large-scale operations move to North Carolina capital, with authorities noting ongoing activities.
