The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of case documents associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
The measure next heads to the president for his approval. Trump signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for an extended period rejected the outcry over the official management of the investigation 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.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their advocates who were seated in a House gallery, broke into applause 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 individuals involved, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
Additional Stories
- The president faces criticism for referring to a journalist as ‘piggy’ during a disagreement onboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge rejects ‘discriminatory’ maps in the state of Texas that awarded GOP additional districts.
- Many of Department of Education's authorities moved to other federal departments as part of White House efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps expand to North Carolina capital, with authorities noting ongoing activities.
