Congress Passes Measure to Make Public Epstein Files
The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will require the publication of investigative files associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, expediting the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epsteinโs victims have waited patiently,โ the Senate Democratic leader stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to pass it unanimously. โReveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.โ
Future Action
The bill next goes to Donald Trump for his approval. Trump signaled on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though the president has for months dismissed the outcry over the official management of the scandal as a โpolitical stuntโ, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and said he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with victims and their supporters who were seated in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he feared the measure would disclose identifying details of people, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
Additional News Updates
- Trump faces criticism for labeling a journalist as โpiggyโ during a disagreement onboard Air Force One.
- Judge disallows โdiscriminatoryโ maps in the state of Texas that awarded GOP more districts.
- Many of US education agencyโs powers moved to different agencies as part of administration efforts.
- Large-scale operations extend to North Carolina capital, with local officials confirming ongoing activities.
