The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of case documents associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House gave in 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 Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next heads to Trump for his signature. He indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though Trump has for months rejected the controversy over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their representatives who were watching from a public section, applauded after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who stated he feared the measure would make public identifying details of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
Additional News Updates
- Trump is under fire for calling a journalist as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation aboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge disallows ‘discriminatory’ maps in the state of Texas that allocated Republicans extra districts.
- A significant number of Department of Education's authorities moved to other branches as part of White House efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps move to the state's capital, with authorities noting ongoing activities.