The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of case documents associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a case that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, 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 said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The measure next will be sent to Trump for his approval. The president stated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Although Trump has for months downplayed the outcry over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were present in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he worried the measure would make public specific data of individuals involved, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
Additional Headlines
- The president is under fire for labeling a journalist as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation onboard Air Force One.
- Judge disallows ‘discriminatory’ maps in Texas that awarded Republicans extra districts.
- A significant number of US education agency’s responsibilities moved to different agencies as part of administration efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps expand to the state's capital, with authorities noting ongoing activities.
