The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will force the release of investigative files concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House changed course after months of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The measure next will be sent to the president for his signature. The president signaled on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for months downplayed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their advocates who were present in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would disclose personal information of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
Other News Updates
- The president faces criticism for labeling a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a clash onboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge blocks ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in the state of Texas that awarded Republicans more districts.
- A significant number of Department of Education's responsibilities moved to other federal departments as part of administration efforts.
- Large-scale operations expand to the state's capital, with representatives noting ongoing activities.
