Senate Greenlights Bill to Release Epstein Records
The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will require the publication of investigative files associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
This legislation next heads to the president for his endorsement. The president signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though Trump has for an extended period rejected the outcry over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and said he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were present in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who stated he worried the measure would reveal specific data of people, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
Additional Headlines
- The president faces criticism for calling a female Bloomberg reporter as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation aboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge rejects ‘discriminatory’ maps in Texas that awarded Republicans extra districts.
- Many of Department of Education's authorities moved to other federal departments as part of White House efforts.
- Large-scale operations extend to the state's capital, with representatives noting ongoing activities.
