Senate Greenlights Bill to Make Public Jeffrey Epstein Records
The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of official records concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next heads to the president for his signature. Trump stated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for months dismissed the controversy over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and announced he would approve it if it comes to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with victims and their supporters who were watching from a viewing area, cheered after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he was concerned the measure would reveal identifying details of individuals involved, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
Additional News Updates
- Trump is under fire for labeling a female Bloomberg reporter as ‘piggy’ during a disagreement onboard Air Force One.
- Judge disallows ‘discriminatory’ maps in the state of Texas that awarded GOP extra districts.
- A significant number of Department of Education's powers transferred to other branches as part of administration efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps expand to North Carolina capital, with local officials reporting ongoing activities.
