Congress Approves Measure to Release Jeffrey Epstein Files
The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next will be sent to Donald Trump for his endorsement. Trump signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for an extended period rejected the controversy over the official management of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the weekend, and said he would approve it if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their supporters who were watching from a House gallery, cheered after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who stated he feared the measure would disclose specific data of people, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
Other Headlines
- Trump faces criticism for labeling a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a clash aboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge blocks ‘discriminatory’ maps in the state of Texas that gave Republicans additional districts.
- Many of Department of Education's powers transferred to other federal departments as part of administration efforts.
- Large-scale operations expand to the state's capital, with representatives noting ongoing activities.
