The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will force the release of official records concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. The administration gave in after months of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have waited long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next heads to Trump for his signature. The president stated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for months rejected the outcry over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were seated in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he feared the measure would reveal specific data of witnesses, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
Other News Updates
- The president is under fire for calling a female Bloomberg reporter as ‘piggy’ during a disagreement onboard Air Force One.
- Judge rejects ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in Texas that gave GOP more districts.
- A significant number of US education agency’s powers moved to other federal departments as part of White House efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps move to the state's capital, with representatives reporting ongoing activities.
