The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will require the publication of investigative files concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House changed course after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The bill next heads to the president for his endorsement. Trump stated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for months rejected the controversy over the official management of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the measure over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were present in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would make public identifying details of witnesses, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
Other Headlines
- Trump is under fire for labeling a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation aboard Air Force One.
- Judge rejects ‘discriminatory’ maps in Texas that gave GOP extra districts.
- Many of Department of Education's responsibilities transferred to other federal departments as part of administration efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps expand to the state's capital, with authorities noting ongoing activities.
