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Republican lawmakers have blocked a Democratic proposal to release documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The proposal aimed to attach an amendment to cryptocurrency legislation, forcing the release of evidence from Epstein's 2019 child sex-trafficking case. The House Rules Committee voted 5 to 6 against the amendment, with only one Republican, Rep. Ralph Norman, siding with Democrats.
The documents, often referred to as the Epstein files, include a purported client list and thousands of hours of video depicting child sexual abuse. Attorney General Pam Bondi had previously hinted at releasing these files but later decided against it, stating the Trump administration had reviewed the evidence and concluded Epstein died by suicide.
The decision has sparked controversy within the Republican Party, particularly among supporters of the "Make America Great Again" movement. Prominent figures like Dan Bongino and Marjorie Taylor Greene have called for the release of the files. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has defended Bondi's handling of the case, despite criticism from some of his supporters. Senate Republicans, including Majority Leader John Thune, have distanced themselves from the controversy, leaving the matter to the Department of Justice and FBI.
Democrats, led by Rep. Ro Khanna, have vowed to continue pushing for the release of the documents, arguing it is a matter of public interest. Khanna plans to reintroduce the amendment, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.