The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will force the release of official records related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal 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 plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The measure next heads to Trump for his approval. He stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Even though the president has for an extended period rejected the uproar over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the weekend, and said he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were watching from a House gallery, applauded after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would make public identifying details of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
Additional Headlines
- Trump is under fire for referring to a journalist as ‘piggy’ during a clash aboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge rejects ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in Texas that gave Republicans extra districts.
- Many of Department of Education's powers moved to different agencies as part of administration efforts.
- Large-scale operations extend to Raleigh, with authorities confirming ongoing activities.
