GOP barely defeats Senate effort to release Epstein files

"In a close vote, Senate Republicans defeated an effort Wednesday by Democrats to insert language into Congress' annual defense authorization bill that would have forced the public release of case files on the sex trafficking investigation into the late Jeffrey Epstein. The Senate voted 51-49 to dismiss the changes to the bill, with Republican Sens. Josh Hawley of Missouri and Rand Paul of Kentucky joining with all Democrats in opposition."

"For months, Democrats have clamored for the release of what's become known as the Epstein files, looking for practically every opportunity to force Republicans to either join their push for disclosure or publicly oppose a cause that many in the Republican base support. President Donald Trump signaled as he was running for president that he was open to releasing a full accounting of the case, but is now trying to dismiss the push as a Democrat hoax."

"The New York Democrat maneuvered earlier Wednesday to force a procedural vote on language that would force the Justice Department to release the Epstein files, inserting it into an annual defense policy bill that Congress has to pass. I ask my Republican colleagues, after all those years you spent calling for accountability, for transparency, for getting to the bottom of these awful crimes, why won't you vote yes? Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said in a floor speech Wednesday."

Senate Republicans voted 51-49 to dismiss a Democratic amendment that would have compelled public release of case files from the sex trafficking investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. Senators Josh Hawley and Rand Paul joined Democrats in opposing the dismissal. Democrats have persistently sought disclosure of the so-called Epstein files and used an annual defense policy bill to push the Justice Department to turn over records. President Donald Trump had signaled openness to a full accounting while campaigning but has since labeled the effort a Democrat hoax. Senate GOP leaders characterized the maneuver as political gamesmanship and an improper vehicle for the request.

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