The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of official records associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The bill next goes to Donald Trump for his endorsement. He indicated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Though the president has for an extended period dismissed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the past few days, and stated he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were seated in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who said he feared the measure would reveal personal information of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
Other Stories
- The president receives backlash for referring to a female Bloomberg reporter as ‘piggy’ during a clash aboard Air Force One.
- Judge blocks ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in the state of Texas that awarded GOP extra districts.
- Many of US education agency’s powers reassigned to other federal departments as part of administration efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps expand to Raleigh, with local officials noting ongoing activities.
