The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will force the release of official records associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. The White House gave in after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
The public have been patient long enough. The survivors have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
This legislation next goes to Trump for his endorsement. The president indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though Trump has for an extended period downplayed the controversy 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 approve it if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with those affected and their representatives who were seated in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who said he was concerned the measure would reveal identifying details of people, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
Other Headlines
- The president is under fire for referring to a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a clash aboard Air Force One.
- Judge rejects ‘discriminatory’ maps in Texas that gave GOP more districts.
- A significant number of Department of Education's powers moved to other federal departments as part of administration efforts.
- Raids expand to the state's capital, with local officials noting ongoing activities.
