The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will require the publication of official records related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration gave in after an extended period of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
The public have waited long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The bill next goes to Trump for his endorsement. Trump signaled on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Even though the president has for months downplayed the uproar over the official management of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the weekend, and announced he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their representatives who were watching from a House gallery, applauded after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would disclose identifying details of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
Other News Updates
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- A significant number of US education agency’s responsibilities moved to different agencies as part of administration efforts.
- Raids extend to Raleigh, with representatives confirming ongoing activities.
