The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will require the publication of case documents concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House gave in after months of trying to block the joint action involving a controversy that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
The bill next heads to the president for his endorsement. The president stated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Even though the president has for months downplayed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the weekend, and said he would approve it if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with victims and their representatives who were seated in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he feared the measure would make public identifying details of individuals involved, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
Additional Stories
- Trump faces criticism for labeling a journalist as ‘piggy’ during a disagreement aboard Air Force One.
- Judge rejects ‘discriminatory’ maps in Texas that allocated Republicans more districts.
- Many of US education agency’s authorities reassigned to other branches as part of White House efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps move to the state's capital, with representatives reporting ongoing activities.
