The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will force the release of official records related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a case that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
The public have waited long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The measure next goes to Donald Trump for his endorsement. Trump stated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though the president has for an extended period downplayed the uproar over the official management of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were watching from a public section, applauded after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he feared the measure would make public specific data of people, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
Other Stories
- The president receives backlash for labeling a journalist as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation aboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge disallows ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in Texas that gave Republicans extra districts.
- A significant number of US education agency’s authorities moved to other federal departments as part of White House efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps expand to the state's capital, with representatives confirming ongoing activities.
