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 overwhelming vote in the lower house and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. The White House gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next goes to Donald Trump for his approval. He indicated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for months rejected the uproar over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and said he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their supporters who were present in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he worried the measure would reveal identifying details of witnesses, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
Other News Updates
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- Raids expand to Raleigh, with authorities reporting ongoing activities.
