The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will force the release of official records concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next will be sent to the president for his signature. He indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for months rejected the uproar over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their representatives who were seated in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he feared the measure would make public identifying details of individuals involved, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
Other Headlines
- Trump is under fire for labeling a female Bloomberg reporter as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation aboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge rejects ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in Texas that gave Republicans more districts.
- A significant number of US education agency’s responsibilities moved to other federal departments as part of administration efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps expand to the state's capital, with representatives confirming ongoing activities.
