Senate Passes Bill to Disclose Epstein Documents
The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will force the release of case documents related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous 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, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next goes to Donald Trump for his endorsement. The president indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though the president has for months downplayed the uproar over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the weekend, and announced he would approve it if it comes to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were seated in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he feared the measure would disclose personal information of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
Other Headlines
- The president faces criticism for referring to a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a disagreement onboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge disallows ‘discriminatory’ maps in Texas that allocated Republicans additional districts.
- A significant number of US education agency’s powers moved to other federal departments as part of administration efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps expand to the state's capital, with local officials noting ongoing activities.
