The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will require the publication of case documents related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have waited long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
This legislation next heads to Trump for his endorsement. He stated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Though Trump has for an extended period rejected the uproar over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with victims and their advocates who were present in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who said he worried the measure would reveal identifying details of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
Other Headlines
- The president is under fire for referring to a journalist as ‘piggy’ during a disagreement aboard Air Force One.
- Judge disallows ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in the state of Texas that allocated GOP extra districts.
- Many of US education agency’s responsibilities transferred to other branches as part of administration efforts.
- Large-scale operations extend to North Carolina capital, with representatives confirming ongoing activities.
