Senate Republicans blocked a surprise effort to require the Justice Department to release documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer introduced a last-minute amendment demanding transparency from the Department of Justice.
He attempted to attach the proposal to the National Defense Authorization Act, a bill currently under bipartisan negotiation. Only two Republicans, Josh Hawley and Rand Paul, voted with Democrats to keep the amendment alive.
Despite that, a majority voted to table Schumer’s proposal, ending any immediate chance of passage. Schumer addressed the Senate before filing his amendment, calling for full disclosure of Epstein-related materials. “There’s been too much lying and cover-up,” Schumer said. “The public deserves to see the truth in those files.”
He emphasized that the amendment mirrored a discharge petition in the House led by Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna. Meanwhile, Republicans were furious over the timing. One GOP staffer called it “an extremely hostile act” during sensitive negotiations. Leaders in both parties are still trying to finalize the defense bill and negotiate a short-term funding deal.
The Senate already faced tensions after July clashes between Senators Ruben Gallego and Markwayne Mullin. Now, Schumer’s push threatens to stall legislative progress and strain bipartisan trust. Release the Epstein files became a rallying cry again after a new document emerged earlier this week.
The item, reportedly from Epstein’s “birthday book,” appeared to feature Donald Trump’s signature and a message. The Epstein estate submitted the card to the House Oversight Committee, fueling renewed interest. In addition, The White House strongly denied that the card came from Trump and rejected the authenticity of the signature.
Reporters asked Schumer why Democrats failed to act when they held full power under President Biden. Schumer redirected the blame. “Donald Trump has lied repeatedly,” he said. “There is no drawing. There is no truth.” He continued, “Americans of all political backgrounds want the files released. They deserve the truth.”
Release the Epstein files, he insisted, must become a bipartisan priority—not a political stunt. For now, Senate Republicans appear unwilling to allow that process to move forward.
For more political updates, visit DC Brief.
