The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House relented after months of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a case that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have waited long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next will be sent to Trump for his endorsement. Trump stated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for an extended period rejected the controversy over the official management of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with victims and their supporters who were seated in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who said he feared the measure would disclose specific data of witnesses, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
Additional Stories
- Trump faces criticism for labeling a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation aboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge rejects ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in the state of Texas that allocated GOP additional districts.
- Many of US education agency’s powers moved to other branches as part of administration efforts.
- Large-scale operations extend to North Carolina capital, with local officials noting ongoing activities.
