Congress Greenlights Legislation to Release Epstein Documents
The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will require the publication of case documents concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next will be sent to the president for his signature. The president indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although Trump has for an extended period dismissed the outcry over the official management of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the measure over the past few days, and said he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Response
Democrats, along with those affected and their supporters who were present in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who said he worried the measure would disclose specific data of people, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
Other Headlines
- The president receives backlash for calling a female Bloomberg reporter as ‘piggy’ during a disagreement onboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge blocks ‘discriminatory’ maps in Texas that gave GOP more districts.
- A significant number of US education agency’s powers reassigned to other federal departments as part of administration efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps move to the state's capital, with representatives noting ongoing activities.
