The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will force the release of investigative files concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have waited long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The bill next goes to Trump for his endorsement. The president indicated 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 scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with those affected and their supporters who were watching from a viewing area, applauded after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he feared the measure would reveal specific data of witnesses, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
Additional Headlines
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- Many of US education agency’s responsibilities moved to other branches as part of White House efforts.
- Large-scale operations move to North Carolina capital, with local officials reporting ongoing activities.
