Senate Passes Bill to Release Epstein Documents
The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of case documents associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House gave in after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have waited long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The bill next will be sent to Donald Trump for his approval. The president indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for an extended period rejected the controversy over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the legislation 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 advocates who were watching from a public section, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
Other Headlines
- The president faces criticism for referring to a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a disagreement onboard Air Force One.
- Judge disallows ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in the state of Texas that awarded GOP extra districts.
- Many of US education agency’s powers transferred to other branches as part of White House efforts.
- Raids move to Raleigh, with representatives noting ongoing activities.
