The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of case documents concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. The White House relented after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a controversy that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The bill next will be sent to Donald Trump for his signature. The president stated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though the president has for an extended period downplayed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their representatives who were present in a public section, applauded after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he feared the measure would disclose personal information of people, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
Additional Stories
- The president receives backlash for calling a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a disagreement onboard Air Force One.
- Judge disallows ‘discriminatory’ maps in the state of Texas that awarded GOP extra districts.
- A significant number of US education agency’s powers reassigned to different agencies as part of White House efforts.
- Raids expand to the state's capital, with authorities noting ongoing activities.
