The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. The White House changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
The public have waited long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next heads to Trump for his endorsement. He indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Even though the president has for months rejected the controversy over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were present in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he feared the measure would disclose personal information of witnesses, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
Additional Headlines
- The president faces criticism for referring to a female Bloomberg reporter as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation aboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge disallows ‘discriminatory’ maps in Texas that awarded GOP additional districts.
- Many of US education agency’s authorities moved to different agencies as part of administration efforts.
- Large-scale operations extend to North Carolina capital, with local officials reporting ongoing activities.
