The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will force the release of investigative files related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
This legislation next heads to the president for his signature. The president signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though Trump has for months dismissed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with those affected and their supporters who were seated in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he worried the measure would disclose identifying details of people, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
Additional News Updates
- Trump receives backlash for referring to a journalist as ‘piggy’ during a clash aboard Air Force One.
- Judge disallows ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in the state of Texas that gave Republicans additional districts.
- Many of Department of Education's responsibilities reassigned to other branches as part of administration efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps expand to North Carolina capital, with representatives confirming ongoing activities.
