The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will require the publication of case documents concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to block the joint action involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have waited long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The bill next heads to Donald Trump for his signature. Trump stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for an extended period downplayed the outcry over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and said he would approve it if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with those affected and their representatives who were present in a public section, applauded after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he was concerned the measure would make public specific data of people, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
Additional Headlines
- Trump receives backlash for calling a journalist as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation aboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge blocks ‘discriminatory’ maps in the state of Texas that awarded Republicans extra districts.
- Many of Department of Education's powers moved to different agencies as part of White House efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps extend to Raleigh, with local officials noting ongoing activities.
