The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will require the publication of official records associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to block the joint action involving a controversy that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next heads to the president for his endorsement. The president stated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although Trump has for months rejected the outcry over the official management of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and said he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were present in a public section, applauded after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he worried the measure would reveal personal information of people, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
Additional Headlines
- Trump is under fire for labeling a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a clash aboard Air Force One.
- Judge blocks ‘discriminatory’ maps in Texas that awarded Republicans more districts.
- Many of Department of Education's authorities reassigned to different agencies as part of White House efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps extend to North Carolina capital, with local officials reporting ongoing activities.
