The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of case documents related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House changed course after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next will be sent to Trump for his signature. The president indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Even though the president has for months downplayed the outcry over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the weekend, and announced he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their supporters who were present in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would disclose personal information of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
Additional News Updates
- Trump faces criticism for calling a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a disagreement aboard Air Force One.
- Judge rejects ‘discriminatory’ maps in the state of Texas that allocated GOP more districts.
- A significant number of US education agency’s authorities moved to other federal departments as part of administration efforts.
- Raids expand to the state's capital, with authorities confirming ongoing activities.
