The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. The administration relented after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have waited long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The measure next goes to the president for his approval. Trump signaled on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Though the president has for an extended period dismissed the outcry over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and said he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Response
The Democratic party, along with victims and their supporters who were watching from a House gallery, cheered after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who stated he worried the measure would make public identifying details of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
Other News Updates
- The president is under fire for calling a female Bloomberg reporter as ‘piggy’ during a clash aboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge blocks ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in Texas that allocated Republicans additional districts.
- A significant number of Department of Education's responsibilities transferred to other federal departments as part of administration efforts.
- Large-scale operations expand to North Carolina capital, with local officials noting ongoing activities.
