The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
The public have waited long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next goes to Donald Trump for his signature. The president stated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Though Trump has for an extended period downplayed the uproar over the official management of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and said he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their supporters who were present in a public section, cheered after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who stated he was concerned the measure would make public personal information of people, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
Other News Updates
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