The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of official records concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. The White House relented after months of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a case that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have waited long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The bill next heads to the president for his endorsement. The president signaled on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for an extended period rejected the controversy over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the weekend, and announced he would approve it if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were present in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he worried the measure would disclose personal information of people, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
Additional News Updates
- The president is under fire for calling a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a clash onboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge disallows ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in Texas that gave Republicans additional districts.
- A significant number of US education agency’s powers transferred to other branches as part of White House efforts.
- Large-scale operations extend to Raleigh, with representatives reporting ongoing activities.
