The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will force the release of official records concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a case that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The bill next heads to Donald Trump for his approval. The president stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for months downplayed the uproar over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the past few days, and announced he would approve it if it comes to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were seated in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who said he worried the measure would reveal personal information of people, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
Additional Stories
- The president faces criticism for calling a journalist as ‘piggy’ during a clash onboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge blocks ‘discriminatory’ maps in Texas that allocated Republicans additional districts.
- Many of US education agency’s authorities reassigned to different agencies as part of administration efforts.
- Large-scale operations extend to the state's capital, with representatives confirming ongoing activities.
