The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. The White House gave in after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have waited long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next goes to the president for his signature. Trump indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Even though the president has for an extended period dismissed the outcry over the official management of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and said he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their representatives who were seated in a viewing area, 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 people, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
Additional Headlines
- The president receives backlash for calling a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation aboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge disallows ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in Texas that gave Republicans more districts.
- A significant number of US education agency’s authorities transferred to other branches as part of administration efforts.
- Raids extend to the state's capital, with local officials reporting ongoing activities.
