The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will require the publication of case documents concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The measure next heads to Trump for his approval. He stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Even though the president has for an extended period downplayed the outcry over the official management of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Democrats, along with victims and their advocates who were present in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he worried the measure would make public personal information of witnesses, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
Other News Updates
- The president is under fire for referring to a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a disagreement aboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge disallows ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in Texas that gave GOP extra districts.
- A significant number of US education agency’s powers reassigned to different agencies as part of administration efforts.
- Large-scale operations move to North Carolina capital, with authorities confirming ongoing activities.
