Congress Approves Legislation to Make Public Epstein Records
The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will force the release of investigative files related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. The White House relented after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a case that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
This legislation next heads to Donald Trump for his approval. He stated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Though the president has for an extended period rejected the controversy over the official management of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Response
Democrats, along with victims and their advocates who were seated in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who said he feared the measure would reveal identifying details of people, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
Other News Updates
- The president faces criticism for calling a journalist as ‘piggy’ during a disagreement aboard Air Force One.
- Judge rejects ‘discriminatory’ maps in the state of Texas that awarded Republicans extra districts.
- A significant number of Department of Education's powers transferred to other branches as part of administration efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps expand to the state's capital, with authorities confirming ongoing activities.
