The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. The White House changed course after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The measure next heads to Donald Trump for his endorsement. The president signaled on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Though the president has for months dismissed the outcry over the official management of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their advocates who were present in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who stated he feared the measure would reveal specific data of individuals involved, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
Other Stories
- Trump faces criticism for labeling a female Bloomberg reporter as ‘piggy’ during a clash aboard Air Force One.
- Judge disallows ‘discriminatory’ maps in the state of Texas that awarded GOP more districts.
- Many of US education agency’s powers moved to other federal departments as part of White House efforts.
- Raids expand to North Carolina capital, with representatives noting ongoing activities.
