The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will require the publication of investigative files concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The measure next heads to the president for his signature. Trump stated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Even though the president has for an extended period dismissed the uproar over the official management of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their supporters who were present in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he was concerned the measure would make public personal information of people, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
Other News Updates
- Trump is under fire for labeling a female Bloomberg reporter as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation aboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge blocks ‘discriminatory’ maps in the state of Texas that awarded Republicans extra districts.
- Many of Department of Education's authorities reassigned to other branches as part of White House efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps expand to Raleigh, with representatives reporting ongoing activities.
