The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will require the publication of case documents concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after an extended period of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have waited long enough. The survivors have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
This legislation next goes to the president for his endorsement. Trump indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for months downplayed the uproar over the official management of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were watching from a viewing area, cheered after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he was concerned the measure would disclose specific data of witnesses, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
Additional Headlines
- Trump receives backlash for labeling a journalist as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation aboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge blocks ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in the state of Texas that gave GOP more districts.
- A significant number of Department of Education's authorities transferred to other branches as part of White House efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps extend to the state's capital, with local officials reporting ongoing activities.
