Washington, D.C. — A motion that would have allowed a full House vote on the release of sealed records related to Jeffrey Epstein was struck down Monday by the House Rules Committee in a narrow 5–7 vote, with seven Republican members voting against it.
Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA) had introduced the amendment, which would have required Attorney General Pam Bondi to “preserve and release any records related to Jeffrey Epstein” via a publicly accessible platform.
One Republican, Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC), joined Democrats in supporting the measure. Another, Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX), missed the vote. He has been contacted for comment.
Why It Matters
The Epstein case remains one of the most controversial and politically explosive topics in American discourse, fueling conspiracy theories and public mistrust in federal institutions.
Tensions escalated after the DOJ recently concluded there was “no credible evidence” of a blackmail operation or client list — a claim that contradicts earlier statements made by AG Pam Bondi, who previously said the list was “sitting on my desk.”
The memo sparked outrage among Trump-aligned conservatives and MAGA influencers, many of whom believe key figures are being protected by a cover-up.
Trump Distances Himself
Former President Donald Trump, who is not accused of any wrongdoing related to Epstein, responded by trying to shift focus. On Truth Social, he wrote:
“Let’s not waste Time and Energy on Jeffrey Epstein, somebody that nobody cares about.”
He added that attacks on Attorney General Bondi were damaging the “perfect administration” his team was building.
The Republicans Who Blocked the Epstein Files Vote
The following Republican members of the House Rules Committee voted against the motion:
- Virginia Foxx (NC-5) – Chairwoman
- Michelle Fischbach (MN-7)
- Erin Houchin (IN-9)
- Nick Langworthy (NY-23)
- Austin Scott (GA-8)
- Morgan Griffith (VA-9)
- Brian Jack (GA-3)
Those Who Voted in Favor:
- Jim McGovern (D-MA)
- Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA)
- Joe Neguse (D-CO)
- Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-NM)
- Ralph Norman (R-SC)
What Was the Amendment?
Khanna’s amendment was procedural, intended to attach the release requirement to the GENIUS Act, a bill dealing with asset regulation, including cryptocurrency.
Had it passed, the amendment would have obligated the DOJ to publish any records related to Epstein in full.
Conflicting Statements from the DOJ and Bondi
The Department of Justice memo — obtained by Axios — stated clearly:
“There is no credible evidence…that Epstein blackmailed prominent individuals.”
That claim contradicts AG Bondi’s February 2025 statement that she had reviewed a “so-called client list.” The DOJ’s position has only fueled skepticism among Epstein case watchers.
Even Alan Dershowitz, Epstein’s former attorney, said on Monday that no such client list exists — only a redacted FBI list of names based on victim allegations.
Public Reaction
Rep. Ro Khanna wrote on X:
“Rules voted 5–7 to block the full House from voting on my amendment to have a FULL release of the Epstein file. People are fed up… Need to put the American people before party!”
Democratic strategist Adam Mocker posted:
“CHECKMATE: Ro Khanna is forcing Republicans to pick between protecting Trump’s cover-up or siding with their own base.”
Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader John Thune told The Hill:
“Those matters fall under DOJ and FBI jurisdiction. The president has expressed his view, and we respect the legal findings.”
