Congress Approves Legislation to Disclose Jeffrey Epstein Records
The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. The White House relented after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a case that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance 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 427-1 tally.
“The American people have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The measure next will be sent to Donald Trump for his endorsement. Trump indicated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for an extended period dismissed the outcry over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the weekend, and said he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were seated in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he feared the measure would make public specific data of people, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
Additional News Updates
- Trump faces criticism for calling a female Bloomberg reporter as ‘piggy’ during a disagreement aboard Air Force One.
- Judge blocks ‘discriminatory’ maps in Texas that allocated Republicans more districts.
- A significant number of Department of Education's authorities reassigned to other branches as part of administration efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps expand to Raleigh, with authorities noting ongoing activities.
