The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will require the publication of investigative files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team gave in after months of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
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 asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
This legislation next goes to Donald Trump for his endorsement. The president indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though Trump has for an extended period dismissed the outcry over the official management of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with those affected and their supporters who were watching from a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who stated he worried the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
Additional News Updates
- The president is under fire for labeling a female Bloomberg reporter as ‘piggy’ during a disagreement aboard Air Force One.
- Judge rejects ‘discriminatory’ maps in Texas that allocated GOP additional districts.
- A significant number of Department of Education's authorities moved to other federal departments as part of administration efforts.
- Raids expand to North Carolina capital, with local officials noting ongoing activities.
