The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will force the release of official records associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Just before, 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 waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The bill next will be sent to the president for his signature. Trump stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for an extended period downplayed the outcry over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and announced he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their advocates who were seated in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who stated he feared the measure would reveal specific data of individuals involved, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
Other News Updates
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- Many of US education agency’s authorities transferred to other branches as part of White House efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps expand to North Carolina capital, with representatives noting ongoing activities.
