The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will force the release of investigative files associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next will be sent to Trump for his approval. The president stated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for months downplayed the controversy over the official management of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the past few days, and said he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with those affected and their advocates who were seated in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would make public specific data of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
Other News Updates
- Trump is under fire for referring to a journalist as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation aboard Air Force One.
- Judge disallows ‘discriminatory’ maps in Texas that allocated Republicans extra districts.
- Many of US education agency’s responsibilities moved to different agencies as part of administration efforts.
- Large-scale operations expand to Raleigh, with representatives confirming ongoing activities.
