The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will require the publication of official records associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to block the joint action involving a controversy that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next heads to Donald Trump for his endorsement. He stated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Though the president has for an extended period dismissed the outcry over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the past few days, and said he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Response
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their advocates who were present in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who stated he worried the measure would reveal specific data of witnesses, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
Other Headlines
- The president receives backlash for labeling a female Bloomberg reporter as ‘piggy’ during a disagreement onboard Air Force One.
- Judge blocks ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in Texas that awarded GOP extra districts.
- A significant number of Department of Education's responsibilities reassigned to other branches as part of administration efforts.
- Large-scale operations expand to Raleigh, with representatives reporting ongoing activities.
