The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will require the publication of official records related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded 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 massive majority.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next will be sent to Donald Trump for his signature. The president signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although Trump has for an extended period dismissed the controversy over the official management of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with victims and their representatives who were watching from a public section, cheered after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he feared the measure would make public specific data of witnesses, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
Other News Updates
- Trump is under fire for referring to a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a clash aboard Air Force One.
- Judge rejects ‘discriminatory’ maps in the state of Texas that allocated Republicans extra districts.
- Many of US education agency’s authorities reassigned to other branches as part of administration efforts.
- Raids expand to Raleigh, with authorities reporting ongoing activities.
