The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will require the publication of case documents associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have been patient long enough. The survivors have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next heads to Donald Trump for his signature. He signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though Trump has for an extended period rejected the outcry over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their supporters who were seated in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who stated he worried the measure would reveal identifying details of people, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
Other News Updates
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- Many of US education agency’s responsibilities moved to other federal departments as part of White House efforts.
- Raids expand to North Carolina capital, with local officials reporting ongoing activities.
