The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will require the publication of investigative files related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team relented after an extended period of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next heads to Trump for his endorsement. Trump stated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Though Trump has for months rejected the uproar over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the weekend, and said he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Response
The Democratic party, along with victims and their representatives who were seated in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who stated he feared the measure would disclose specific data of people, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
Additional News Updates
- The president faces criticism for labeling a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a clash aboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge disallows ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in Texas that awarded Republicans extra districts.
- A significant number of US education agency’s responsibilities moved to other federal departments as part of White House efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps move to North Carolina capital, with local officials reporting ongoing activities.
