The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will force the release of official records associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration relented after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a case that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next heads to Trump for his signature. He indicated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though Trump has for months rejected the controversy over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the past few days, and announced he would approve it if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were seated in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who said he feared the measure would disclose specific data of people, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
Additional Stories
- The president faces criticism for referring to a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a clash onboard Air Force One.
- Judge rejects ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in the state of Texas that allocated GOP extra districts.
- A significant number of US education agency’s authorities reassigned to different agencies as part of White House efforts.
- Raids expand to the state's capital, with authorities confirming ongoing activities.
