Senate Republicans Block Democrats' Effort to Release Epstein Files

Republican-Led Senate Rejects Schumer's Bid to Release Epstein Files

The Republican-led Senate narrowly voted on Wednesday to defeat an amendment proposed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., that aimed to compel the Justice Department to disclose all of the Jeffrey Epstein files. The vote resulted in 51-49 in favor of tabling the amendment, with two Republicans, Rand Paul of Kentucky and Josh Hawley of Missouri, siding with all 47 Democrats against tabling the amendment.

Hawley expressed his support for releasing the files, drawing a parallel to the disclosure of MLK and JFK files. Schumer had employed a procedural tactic to prompt a floor vote on the Epstein files earlier in the day. The amendment mirrored bipartisan legislation from Reps. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Ro Khanna, D-Calif., who plan to push for a similar vote in the House.

The Senate Republicans, who had largely avoided discussing or voting on the Epstein files, were compelled to take a stance following the vote. Both Hawley and Paul have been at odds with the White House on various issues this year.

The Senate is currently deliberating on the National Defense Authorization Act, with Schumer's move coming shortly after the House Oversight Committee released new documents related to the Epstein case. The House is also progressing with a "discharge petition" to force a vote on the Massie-Khanna legislation, which has garnered significant support.