House Republicans Block Democrats’ Push for Epstein Records
Late Monday, House Republicans thwarted Democratic efforts to compel the Justice Department to release all documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The House Rules Committee voted 5-7 against amendments that would have forced Attorney General Pam Bondy to disclose “records or evidence” concerning Epstein’s prosecution and incarceration. Rep. Ralph Norman, a Republican from South Carolina, was the only GOP member who supported the amendment.
Rep. Ro Khanna, a Democrat from California, introduced this initiative as a potential amendment to the procedural rules, which included key elements of the cryptography and defense budgets.
Some Republicans on the committee contended that the House Rules Panel wasn’t the appropriate venue to discuss the Epstein files. Interestingly, most GOP members chose not to elaborate on their reasons before voting against the amendment.
Georgia Republican Rep. Austin Scott, who voted against the amendment, expressed uncertainty. “I’m not sure how closely the amendment aligns with this rule,” he remarked during discussions.
Among those voting against the release of the Trump administration’s Epstein records were Virginia Fox (NC), Michelle Fishbach (MN), Nicholas Langworthy (NY), Erin Huchin (IN), Morgan Griffith (VA), and Brian Jack (GA).
Trump encouraged his supporters to refrain from pursuing unresolved questions regarding Epstein, pointing towards administrative statements that indicated the convicted sex offender hadn’t maintained a client list and had died by suicide.
However, skepticism persists among many of the president’s supporters, particularly toward Bondy’s claims regarding Epstein-related information within government custody.
Democrats allege that Republican voters are attempting to exploit dissatisfaction with the Trump administration’s management of the Epstein files, suggesting this situation undermines the president’s commitment to government transparency.
“It’s about trust. Republicans said, ‘Trust us, vote for us, and we’ll release these files,'” said Rep. Jim McGovern, a Massachusetts Democrat and a prominent member of his party’s House Rules Committee. “We’re here. They’re backtracking.”
Khanna’s proposal faces criticism from some social media users who point out that populist Democrats didn’t advocate for similar transparency regarding Epstein during Biden’s administration.
Interestingly, Republican Rep. Chip Roy did not attend the rules meeting, as his Texas district is grappling with devastating flash floods that have unfortunately claimed at least 131 lives, including many children who died at a Christian summer camp on July 4th.
