The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will force the release of case documents related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House relented after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have waited long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
This legislation next goes to Trump for his signature. The president indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for an extended period rejected the outcry over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were seated in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he worried the measure would make public specific data of individuals involved, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
Additional Stories
- Trump faces criticism for labeling a female Bloomberg reporter as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation onboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge rejects ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in Texas that gave Republicans extra districts.
- Many of US education agency’s responsibilities moved to different agencies as part of White House efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps expand to North Carolina capital, with local officials noting ongoing activities.
