🔗 Share this article

The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will require the publication of case documents associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.

Swift Passage in Both Chambers

Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.

The public have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”

Next Steps

This legislation next will be sent to the president for his endorsement. He signaled on Monday that he would sign the measure.

Although the president has for months downplayed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and stated he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.

Support and Opposition

Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were watching from a House gallery, cheered after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would reveal identifying details of individuals involved, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.

Other News Updates

• Trump receives backlash for labeling a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a disagreement onboard Air Force One.
• Judge rejects ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in the state of Texas that gave GOP extra districts.
• A significant number of Department of Education's powers reassigned to other federal departments as part of White House efforts.
• Raids extend to the state's capital, with local officials confirming ongoing activities.