🔗 Share this article

The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will force the release of official records associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. The administration relented after months of trying to block the joint action involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.

Swift Approval in Both Chambers

The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.

Citizens have waited long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”

Future Action

The measure next will be sent to Trump for his endorsement. He stated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.

Even though Trump has for an extended period downplayed the outcry over the official management of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.

Support and Opposition

Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their representatives who were seated in a public section, applauded after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he feared the measure would make public personal information of witnesses, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.

Other Headlines

• The president faces criticism for labeling a female Bloomberg reporter as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation onboard Air Force One.
• Federal judge disallows ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in the state of Texas that awarded GOP extra districts.
• A significant number of US education agency’s responsibilities moved to other branches as part of White House efforts.
• Raids move to North Carolina capital, with representatives noting ongoing activities.