The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. The White House gave in after an extended period of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have waited long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The measure next heads to Trump for his signature. Trump indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Even though Trump has for an extended period downplayed the outcry over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the weekend, and announced he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their supporters who were watching from a House gallery, cheered after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who stated he feared the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
Additional News Updates
- Trump faces criticism for labeling a female Bloomberg reporter as ‘piggy’ during a disagreement onboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge disallows ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in Texas that gave Republicans more districts.
- A significant number of US education agency’s authorities reassigned to different agencies as part of White House efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps extend to North Carolina capital, with local officials noting ongoing activities.
