The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of official records associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a case that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
This legislation next goes to Trump for his approval. The president indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although Trump has for months rejected the controversy over the official management of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were seated in a public section, cheered after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would disclose personal information of individuals involved, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
Other Headlines
- Trump faces criticism for labeling a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation onboard Air Force One.
- Judge rejects ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in Texas that allocated Republicans additional districts.
- Many of US education agency’s responsibilities reassigned to other federal departments as part of White House efforts.
- Large-scale operations expand to North Carolina capital, with representatives confirming ongoing activities.
