In an unexpected turn of events, every member from Arizona in the House has backed a significant legislative move that requires the Department of Justice to disclose files related to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. While the measure has garnered widespread support, some Republican voices are calling for alterations in the Senate before it reaches President Donald Trump.
Previously, Trump criticized Republicans who supported the legislation, yet over the weekend, he reversed his stance, encouraging the House to pass the bill. He also committed to signing it should it be approved by the Senate.
The support for the measure was unanimous among Arizona’s congressional delegation. Republican representatives Andy Biggs, Juan Ciscomani, Eli Crane, Paul Gosar, Abraham Hamadeh, and David Schweikert joined Democrats Yassamin Ansari, Greg Stanton, and Adelita Grijalva. Notably, Grijalva’s signature was crucial in securing the 218th name required to circumvent GOP House Speaker Mike Johnson, who had been blocking the bill’s progression.
“The American people deserve the truth, survivors deserve justice, and no one — no matter how powerful — should be protected by secrecy,” stated Grijalva, accompanied by some of Epstein’s victims.
Interestingly, none of the Republican representatives from Arizona initially supported the discharge petition that initiated the vote.
Following the vote, Eli Crane expressed the necessity for transparency and accountability in governance, emphasizing the importance of protecting victims’ privacy and preventing unwarranted damage to the reputations of innocent individuals.
The bill includes provisions for the Justice Department to safeguard victims.
Democrats have signaled their intent to apply substantial pressure on Republican Senate leaders to expedite the bill’s passage without modifications. According to Kelly, if Senate Republicans delay, Democrats might consider a “unanimous consent” maneuver to bypass GOP leadership. Read more from the New York Times.
Speaking to the public, Kelly urged citizens to pressure Senate leaders to prevent any postponement of the bill.
“We’re gonna need your help on the other side of the Capitol making sure that Senate leadership doesn’t delay this any further,” said Kelly.
Shortly after the House’s approval, the Senate agreed to endorse the legislation as soon as it is received from the House. Learn more from the Washington Post.
—
Read More Arizona News
