The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will require the publication of official records associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration gave in after months of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The bill next heads to the president for his endorsement. Trump indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for an extended period dismissed the uproar over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with victims and their supporters who were watching from a viewing area, cheered after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose specific data of witnesses, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
Additional News Updates
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- Many of Department of Education's authorities transferred to other branches as part of administration efforts.
- Large-scale operations move to the state's capital, with local officials reporting ongoing activities.
