The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will force the release of official records related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The measure next heads to the president for his approval. Trump signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though the president has for an extended period dismissed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it comes to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their supporters who were seated in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he feared the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
Other Stories
- Trump faces criticism for labeling a journalist as ‘piggy’ during a clash aboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge disallows ‘discriminatory’ maps in the state of Texas that awarded GOP additional districts.
- Many of Department of Education's authorities transferred to other federal departments as part of administration efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps extend to North Carolina capital, with local officials reporting ongoing activities.
