The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will force the release of investigative files associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The bill next will be sent to Donald Trump for his approval. The president indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for an extended period dismissed the uproar over the official management of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Response
Democrats, along with victims and their representatives who were watching from a House gallery, applauded after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who said he worried the measure would reveal identifying details of individuals involved, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
Other Headlines
- The president is under fire for referring to a female Bloomberg reporter as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation aboard Air Force One.
- Judge disallows ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in the state of Texas that gave Republicans additional districts.
- Many of US education agency’s responsibilities moved to other federal departments as part of White House efforts.
- Raids extend to Raleigh, with authorities noting ongoing activities.
