The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after months of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has followed 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 avoids a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
This legislation next will be sent to Donald Trump for his endorsement. The president stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for an extended period downplayed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the measure over the past few days, and said he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Democrats, along with those affected and their supporters who were watching from a public section, applauded after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who said he worried the measure would make public identifying details of people, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
Other Stories
- The president receives backlash for calling a female Bloomberg reporter as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation onboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge blocks ‘discriminatory’ maps in Texas that awarded GOP extra districts.
- A significant number of US education agency’s powers moved to different agencies as part of White House efforts.
- Large-scale operations move to the state's capital, with authorities noting ongoing activities.
