The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will force the release of official records associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team relented 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 Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have waited long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next will be sent to the president for his approval. The president stated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for an extended period dismissed the uproar over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their representatives who were watching from a viewing area, applauded after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he worried the measure would disclose specific data of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
Other News Updates
- Trump faces criticism for referring to a journalist as ‘piggy’ during a clash onboard Air Force One.
- Judge disallows ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in Texas that allocated GOP additional districts.
- Many of Department of Education's responsibilities transferred to different agencies as part of administration efforts.
- Raids expand to North Carolina capital, with authorities reporting ongoing activities.
