The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will require the publication of case documents concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. The White House changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a case that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have waited long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The bill next heads to Trump for his signature. Trump indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Even though the president has for months dismissed the outcry over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and said he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their advocates who were watching from a public section, applauded after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who stated he worried the measure would make public personal information of individuals involved, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
Additional Headlines
- The president faces criticism for referring to a female Bloomberg reporter as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation onboard Air Force One.
- Judge disallows ‘discriminatory’ maps in the state of Texas that gave Republicans extra districts.
- Many of Department of Education's authorities moved to other federal departments as part of White House efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps extend to North Carolina capital, with representatives reporting ongoing activities.
