The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of case documents concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have waited long enough. The survivors have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The bill next will be sent to the president for his approval. Trump indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Even though the president has for an extended period dismissed the controversy over the official management of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with those affected and their supporters who were present in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would disclose identifying details of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
Additional Headlines
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- Judge blocks ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in the state of Texas that gave Republicans extra districts.
- A significant number of Department of Education's powers moved to other branches as part of White House efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps move to the state's capital, with authorities noting ongoing activities.
