The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will require the publication of official records associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-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 forestall the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
This legislation next goes to Trump for his signature. Trump indicated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for months rejected the outcry over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the past few days, and said he would approve it if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their representatives who were seated in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who said he feared the measure would make public personal information of witnesses, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
Other News Updates
- Trump faces criticism for referring to a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation onboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge disallows ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in Texas that awarded GOP extra districts.
- Many of US education agency’s authorities transferred to other branches as part of White House efforts.
- Raids move to Raleigh, with local officials reporting ongoing activities.
