The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will force the release of case documents related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next heads to Donald Trump for his endorsement. Trump stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for an extended period rejected the outcry over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with those affected and their advocates who were seated in a public section, applauded after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who said he worried the measure would reveal identifying details of people, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
Other News Updates
- Trump is under fire for calling a journalist as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation onboard Air Force One.
- Judge disallows ‘discriminatory’ maps in the state of Texas that allocated Republicans extra districts.
- A significant number of Department of Education's powers transferred to different agencies as part of White House efforts.
- Raids extend to Raleigh, with representatives confirming ongoing activities.
