The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will require the publication of investigative files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next will be sent to Trump for his endorsement. He indicated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Though the president has for an extended period rejected the controversy over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and said he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were watching from a viewing area, cheered after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he feared the measure would disclose personal information of witnesses, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
Additional Headlines
- The president is under fire for labeling a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation aboard Air Force One.
- Judge blocks ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in the state of Texas that awarded Republicans additional districts.
- Many of Department of Education's powers reassigned to other branches as part of White House efforts.
- Large-scale operations expand to North Carolina capital, with local officials confirming ongoing activities.
