Senate Passes Bill to Release Jeffrey Epstein Records

The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will force the release of official records related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. The White House changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.

Expedited Passage in Congress

The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.

“The American people have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”

Presidential Signature

This legislation next goes to the president for his endorsement. Trump stated on Monday that he would sign the measure.

Although the president has for months dismissed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and announced he would approve it if it is presented to him.

Support and Opposition

Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were seated in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he worried the measure would disclose specific data of people, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.

Additional News Updates

• Trump receives backlash for referring to a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation onboard Air Force One.
• Judge rejects ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in the state of Texas that gave GOP more districts.
• A significant number of US education agency’s authorities moved to other federal departments as part of White House efforts.
• Mass federal immigration sweeps move to Raleigh, with local officials noting ongoing activities.