The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will force the release of official records associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team relented after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a controversy 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 does not require a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat 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 goes to the president for his signature. Trump signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though Trump has for an extended period rejected the controversy over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the weekend, and said he would approve it if it comes to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with those affected and their advocates who were watching from a viewing area, cheered after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would make public personal information of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
Additional Headlines
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- Federal judge disallows ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in Texas that allocated Republicans extra districts.
- A significant number of Department of Education's powers reassigned to other branches as part of White House efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps extend to Raleigh, with representatives reporting ongoing activities.
