The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will force the release of investigative files associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
The public have waited long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next will be sent to Donald Trump for his approval. The president signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for months downplayed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the past few days, and stated he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Response
Democrats, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a public section, cheered after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who stated he feared the measure would disclose personal information of individuals involved, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
Additional Headlines
- The president is under fire for calling a journalist as ‘piggy’ during a disagreement onboard Air Force One.
- Judge rejects ‘discriminatory’ maps in the state of Texas that awarded GOP more districts.
- A significant number of Department of Education's powers reassigned to other federal departments as part of administration efforts.
- Raids move to the state's capital, with local officials confirming ongoing activities.
