Congress Greenlights Measure to Release Epstein Documents
The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will force the release of investigative files associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
This legislation next heads to Trump for his endorsement. Trump signaled on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Though the president has for months rejected the outcry over the official management of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their advocates who were watching from a public section, cheered after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would reveal personal information of witnesses, 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 confrontation aboard Air Force One.
- Judge rejects ‘discriminatory’ maps in Texas that gave GOP more districts.
- Many of US education agency’s authorities reassigned to other branches as part of administration efforts.
- Raids expand to Raleigh, with representatives confirming ongoing activities.
