The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will force the release of investigative files concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after an extended period of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
This legislation next goes to the president for his signature. He signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although Trump has for months downplayed the uproar over the official management of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the past few days, and said he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with those affected and their supporters who were seated in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he worried the measure would reveal personal information of witnesses, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
Other Stories
- The president receives backlash for labeling a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation onboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge blocks ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in Texas that gave Republicans more districts.
- A significant number of Department of Education's powers transferred to other federal departments as part of administration efforts.
- Raids extend to North Carolina capital, with authorities reporting ongoing activities.
