Congress Approves Bill to Make Public Jeffrey Epstein Documents
The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of case documents associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after an extended period of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have waited long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The measure next will be sent to Donald Trump for his endorsement. The president stated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for an extended period dismissed the outcry over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were present in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he feared the measure would make public identifying details of individuals involved, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
Additional News Updates
- The president is under fire for calling a female Bloomberg reporter as ‘piggy’ during a disagreement onboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge blocks ‘discriminatory’ maps in Texas that awarded GOP more districts.
- A significant number of US education agency’s authorities transferred to other branches as part of White House efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps move to Raleigh, with authorities confirming ongoing activities.
