The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of official records related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a case that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have waited long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The bill next will be sent to the president for his approval. He stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for months downplayed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their supporters who were seated in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he worried the measure would make public specific data of individuals involved, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
Other News Updates
- Trump is under fire for referring to a journalist as ‘piggy’ during a clash onboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge blocks ‘discriminatory’ maps in Texas that gave GOP more districts.
- A significant number of Department of Education's authorities moved to other federal departments as part of administration efforts.
- Raids extend to North Carolina capital, with authorities confirming ongoing activities.
