The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will force the release of investigative files related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next will be sent to Donald Trump for his signature. The president signaled on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Although Trump has for months dismissed the uproar over the official management of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the weekend, and said he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with those affected and their advocates who were present in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would disclose personal information of people, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
Other Headlines
- The president faces criticism for calling a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation onboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge disallows ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in Texas that awarded Republicans more districts.
- Many of Department of Education's responsibilities reassigned to other branches as part of White House efforts.
- Large-scale operations move to Raleigh, with authorities noting ongoing activities.
