The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will force the release of case documents related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House gave in after an extended period of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a case that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have waited long enough. The survivors have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next heads to Donald Trump for his signature. He signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for an extended period dismissed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the weekend, and said he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were seated in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who said he worried the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
Other Headlines
- Trump faces criticism for calling a journalist as ‘piggy’ during a clash onboard Air Force One.
- Judge rejects ‘discriminatory’ maps in the state of Texas that awarded GOP additional districts.
- Many of US education agency’s authorities reassigned to other federal departments as part of administration efforts.
- Large-scale operations extend to Raleigh, with authorities confirming ongoing activities.
