Senate Greenlights Legislation to Disclose Jeffrey Epstein Files
The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will require the publication of investigative files concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to block the joint action involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
This legislation next goes to the president for his signature. Trump signaled on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for months dismissed the controversy over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and announced he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Response
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their supporters who were watching from a House gallery, cheered after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he worried the measure would make public specific data of people, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
Additional News Updates
- The president faces criticism for referring to a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation aboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge disallows ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in Texas that awarded Republicans additional districts.
- Many of US education agency’s powers transferred to other branches as part of White House efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps move to North Carolina capital, with authorities confirming ongoing activities.
