The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will require the publication of case documents related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a case that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
This legislation next goes to Trump for his signature. Trump indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for months downplayed the outcry over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their advocates who were seated in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he feared the measure would reveal personal information of witnesses, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
Other Stories
- Trump receives backlash for labeling a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a clash aboard Air Force One.
- Judge rejects ‘discriminatory’ maps in the state of Texas that gave GOP additional districts.
- Many of US education agency’s responsibilities moved to different agencies as part of White House efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps extend to the state's capital, with authorities reporting ongoing activities.
