The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will require the publication of investigative files concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House gave in after months of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a case that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
This legislation next heads to Donald Trump for his approval. He signaled on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for an extended period downplayed the controversy over the official management of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and announced he would approve it if it comes to him.
Response
Democrats, along with victims and their supporters who were seated in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who said he feared the measure would disclose identifying details of individuals involved, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
Additional Stories
- Trump is under fire for labeling a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a disagreement onboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge rejects ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in Texas that allocated Republicans extra districts.
- A significant number of Department of Education's authorities transferred to other federal departments as part of White House efforts.
- Raids extend to Raleigh, with local officials noting ongoing activities.
