The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will require the publication of case documents associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team gave in after months of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a case that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
The public have been patient long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
This legislation next heads to Donald Trump for his signature. He signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though the president has for an extended period rejected the outcry over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the weekend, and announced he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were watching from a House gallery, cheered after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he feared the measure would make public personal information of people, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
Additional News Updates
- Trump is under fire for calling a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation onboard Air Force One.
- Judge blocks ‘discriminatory’ maps in the state of Texas that gave Republicans additional districts.
- A significant number of Department of Education's authorities moved to different agencies as part of White House efforts.
- Raids extend to Raleigh, with local officials reporting ongoing activities.
