The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will require the publication of official records associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The bill next heads to Trump for his endorsement. He stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Even though the president has for months downplayed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the weekend, and announced he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with victims and their advocates who were seated in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who said he was concerned the measure would disclose personal information of witnesses, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
Additional Headlines
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- Federal judge disallows ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in the state of Texas that awarded GOP extra districts.
- A significant number of Department of Education's authorities moved to different agencies as part of administration efforts.
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