The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will force the release of investigative files associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. The White House changed course after months of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, 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 near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The measure next heads to the president for his endorsement. He indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for an extended period rejected the uproar over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with victims and their advocates who were present in a public section, applauded after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who stated he worried the measure would disclose personal information of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
Additional Headlines
- Trump is under fire for labeling a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a disagreement aboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge rejects ‘discriminatory’ maps in the state of Texas that gave Republicans additional districts.
- Many of US education agency’s responsibilities moved to other federal departments as part of administration efforts.
- Large-scale operations expand to North Carolina capital, with authorities noting ongoing activities.
