标签： North America

In a rare display of bipartisan unity, the US House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bill to release documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The legislation, which garnered a staggering 427-1 vote, saw nearly every Republican in the House voting in favor, with the sole dissenting vote coming from Louisiana Representative Clay Higgins. Higgins, a staunch conservative, argued that the bill compromised the privacy of Epstein’s victims and witnesses, stating on social media platform X that it ‘abandons 250 years of criminal justice procedure in America.’

The bill, which aims to shed light on the Epstein case, quickly gained momentum after President Donald Trump dropped his opposition to the vote. Hours after the House’s decision, the US Senate unanimously approved the legislation, paving the way for Trump’s signature. Higgins expressed willingness to support the bill if amended, but Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated that changes were unlikely given the overwhelming support.

Higgins’ dissent is not unprecedented. Known for his controversial remarks and unorthodox stances, he has previously faced censure from his party for offensive comments about Haiti and its people. His career has been marked by controversy, including his resignation from the St. Landry’s Parish Sheriff’s Office in 2016 following backlash over an anti-crime video in which he threatened gang members while holding a rifle.

The passage of the Epstein bill represents a significant step toward transparency in a case that has captivated public attention for years. However, concerns remain about the potential impact on the privacy of individuals involved in the investigation. As the bill moves to the President’s desk, its implications for both justice and privacy continue to spark debate.

In a rare bipartisan move, both chambers of the U.S. Congress have unanimously agreed to compel the Department of Justice to release its extensive files on Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier and convicted sex offender. The House of Representatives passed the measure with an overwhelming 427-1 vote, while the Senate expedited the process through unanimous consent, bypassing a formal vote. This decision follows President Donald Trump’s unexpected reversal of his stance, urging Congress to disclose the records after facing public pressure from his supporters. Trump’s ties to Epstein resurfaced last week when over 20,000 pages of documents, some referencing the president, were released. The White House has denied any wrongdoing. Republican Clay Higgins of Louisiana was the sole dissenter in the House, expressing concerns about potential harm to innocent individuals. The bill, now headed to Trump’s desk for his expected signature, mandates Attorney General Pam Bondi to release all unclassified materials related to Epstein and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell within 30 days. However, Bondi retains the authority to withhold information that could jeopardize ongoing investigations or reveal victims’ identities. Epstein, who died in prison in 2019, was accused of sex trafficking and had previously been convicted of soliciting prostitution from a minor. The push for transparency was spearheaded by Republican Thomas Massie and Democrat Ro Khanna, who introduced the legislation. Massie faced criticism from Trump but remained steadfast, accusing opponents of protecting pedophiles. Marjorie Taylor Greene, another Republican advocate for the release, clashed with Trump, labeling him a ‘traitor’ for his reluctance. Survivors of Epstein’s abuse, including Annie Farmer, have condemned the secrecy, calling it an ‘institutional betrayal’ that allowed further harm. The controversy has sparked significant political fallout, with some viewing it as a threat to Trump’s MAGA movement.

In a tense exchange aboard Air Force One, President Donald Trump responded sharply to a female reporter who raised questions about his alleged connections to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. The incident occurred on Friday during a press briefing, where Trump, visibly irked, retorted with the phrase ‘Quiet, piggy.’ This remark has sparked widespread criticism and reignited debates about the president’s demeanor towards the media, particularly female journalists. The context of the Epstein question adds another layer of complexity, given the ongoing scrutiny of Trump’s past associations with Epstein, who was accused of running a sex trafficking ring involving underage girls. The president’s response has drawn attention not only for its content but also for its timing, as it comes amidst heightened public interest in the Epstein case and its potential implications for various high-profile figures.

A US federal court has intervened to prevent Texas from implementing its recently redrawn voting maps for the 2026 midterm elections. The court’s decision, which is expected to be appealed to the Supreme Court, cited substantial evidence that the new districts were ‘racially gerrymandered.’ This ruling mandates that Texas revert to the maps established in 2021 by the state legislature.