The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of official records associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House gave in after months of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have waited long enough. The survivors have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next goes to the president for his signature. The president indicated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for months downplayed the outcry over the official management of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the past few days, and announced he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Response
The Democratic party, along with victims and their supporters who were watching from a viewing area, cheered after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who stated he feared the measure would disclose personal information of people, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
Other News Updates
- The president is under fire for labeling a female Bloomberg reporter as ‘piggy’ during a disagreement aboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge disallows ‘discriminatory’ maps in the state of Texas that awarded Republicans extra districts.
- A significant number of Department of Education's authorities reassigned to other branches as part of administration efforts.
- Raids extend to the state's capital, with authorities confirming ongoing activities.
