The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will require the publication of official records associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House relented after months of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
The measure next heads to the president for his approval. He signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though the president has for months downplayed the outcry over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their advocates who were watching from a public section, cheered after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who said he feared the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
Additional Stories
- The president faces criticism for referring to a journalist as ‘piggy’ during a disagreement onboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge blocks ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in the state of Texas that allocated Republicans additional districts.
- Many of Department of Education's powers moved to different agencies as part of White House efforts.
- Large-scale operations extend to North Carolina capital, with representatives confirming ongoing activities.
