Senate Greenlights Legislation to Release Jeffrey Epstein Records
The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will force the release of official records related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. The administration gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The bill next will be sent to Trump for his signature. The president stated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Though the president has for months downplayed the uproar over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the weekend, and said he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were present in a public section, applauded after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who stated he was concerned the measure would make public personal information of witnesses, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
Other Stories
- The president faces criticism for referring to a female Bloomberg reporter as ‘piggy’ during a disagreement aboard Air Force One.
- Judge rejects ‘discriminatory’ maps in Texas that gave GOP more districts.
- Many of US education agency’s powers moved to other federal departments as part of administration efforts.
- Large-scale operations expand to North Carolina capital, with authorities noting ongoing activities.
