The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will require the publication of case documents concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next will be sent to Trump for his signature. The president signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for an extended period downplayed the outcry over the official management of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the weekend, and said he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with those affected and their representatives who were seated in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he was concerned the measure would reveal specific data of individuals involved, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
Other News Updates
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- Federal judge disallows ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in the state of Texas that allocated GOP more districts.
- Many of US education agency’s powers transferred to other federal departments as part of administration efforts.
- Large-scale operations move to North Carolina capital, with representatives confirming ongoing activities.
