The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will force the release of case documents associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after months of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have been patient long enough. The survivors have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next heads to the president for his signature. He indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for months downplayed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the weekend, and announced he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
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 was concerned the measure would make public identifying details of witnesses, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
Additional Headlines
- Trump receives backlash for labeling a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a clash onboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge blocks ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in the state of Texas that awarded GOP more districts.
- A significant number of US education agency’s powers transferred to other federal departments as part of White House efforts.
- Raids move to North Carolina capital, with local officials confirming ongoing activities.
