The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will require the publication of official records related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The measure next heads to Trump for his signature. The president signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though Trump has for an extended period dismissed the outcry over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and said he would approve it if it comes to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were seated in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he feared the measure would reveal specific data of witnesses, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
Other News Updates
- The president receives backlash for referring to a journalist as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation aboard Air Force One.
- Judge disallows ‘discriminatory’ maps in the state of Texas that awarded Republicans additional districts.
- A significant number of Department of Education's responsibilities moved to other federal departments as part of administration efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps expand to North Carolina capital, with representatives reporting ongoing activities.
