The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of official records concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. The administration gave in after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a controversy that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have waited long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next goes to Donald Trump for his signature. The president indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for months dismissed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and said he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Response
Democrats, along with those affected and their advocates who were watching from a viewing area, cheered after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who stated he worried the measure would make public identifying details of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
Additional Headlines
- The president faces criticism for labeling a female Bloomberg reporter as ‘piggy’ during a clash aboard Air Force One.
- Judge blocks ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in the state of Texas that allocated Republicans more districts.
- Many of Department of Education's authorities moved to other federal departments as part of administration efforts.
- Large-scale operations extend to North Carolina capital, with authorities noting ongoing activities.
