The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will require the publication of official records associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved 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 Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The measure next heads to Donald Trump for his signature. Trump signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Even though Trump has for months rejected the outcry over the official management of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and announced he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were watching from a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who said he feared the measure would reveal identifying details of people, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
Other News Updates
- Trump receives backlash for calling a journalist as ‘piggy’ during a disagreement aboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge blocks ‘discriminatory’ maps in Texas that allocated Republicans additional districts.
- Many of US education agency’s authorities transferred to different agencies as part of administration efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps move to Raleigh, with representatives noting ongoing activities.
