The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will force the release of official records concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
The public have waited long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next goes to Donald Trump for his approval. The president signaled on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Though Trump has for an extended period rejected the outcry over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and announced he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Response
Democrats, along with those affected and their representatives who were watching from a viewing area, cheered after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would make public specific data of people, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
Additional News Updates
- Trump is under fire for calling a female Bloomberg reporter as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation aboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge disallows ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in the state of Texas that allocated Republicans additional districts.
- Many of Department of Education's responsibilities reassigned to other branches as part of White House efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps expand to Raleigh, with representatives noting ongoing activities.
