“I want to know what the hell is in these files,” said Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.), accusing Republicans of backtracking.
WASHINGTON — House Republicans on Monday night voted to block a Democratic amendment that would have required the Justice Department to release all Jeffrey Epstein-related files within 30 days.
The amendment, introduced by Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), sought to attach the disclosure requirement to landmark cryptocurrency legislation and a defense funding bill.
“The question with Epstein is: Whose side are you on? Are you on the side of the rich and powerful, or are you on the side of the people?” Khanna told Axios, vowing to keep reintroducing the measure.
The House Rules Committee voted 5-6 against the amendment, with Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) breaking ranks to support it.
“I want to know what the hell is in these files,” said Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.), accusing Republicans of backtracking.
Republicans argued the amendment was unrelated to the GENIUS Act’s regulatory framework for stablecoins or defense funding, saying the issue should be addressed separately.