The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will force the release of investigative files concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team relented after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, expediting the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have waited long enough. The survivors have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next will be sent to Donald Trump for his signature. Trump indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Though the president has for an extended period dismissed the uproar over the official management of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and said he would approve it if it comes to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were watching from a House gallery, cheered after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who stated he worried the measure would reveal identifying details of witnesses, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
Additional News Updates
- Trump is under fire for calling a female Bloomberg reporter as ‘piggy’ during a disagreement onboard Air Force One.
- Judge rejects ‘discriminatory’ maps in the state of Texas that gave Republicans more districts.
- A significant number of US education agency’s authorities reassigned to other federal departments as part of White House efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps move to Raleigh, with representatives confirming ongoing activities.
