• An amendment from Rep. Ro Khanna calling for full disclosure of all Jeffrey Epstein-related files was blocked by House Republicans, renewing concerns over transparency and accountability in high-profile criminal investigations. Only one Republican, Rep. Ralph Norman, crossed party lines to support the measure during a tense Rules Committee vote.

WASHINGTON, DC (TDR) — House Republicans on the Rules Committee voted down a Democratic-led amendment Monday that would have compelled the Trump administration to release all files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a move that drew immediate backlash from transparency advocates and some within the GOP itself.

The amendment, introduced by Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), sought to force U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to “retain, preserve, and compile any records or evidence” connected to Epstein’s prosecution and incarceration—and make them publicly available within 30 days.

One Republican breaks ranks

All Republicans on the panel, except Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), opposed the measure, effectively killing it before it could reach the House floor.

“This is a question of whose side are you on?” Khanna said during the markup. “Are you on the side of the rich and powerful, or on the side of the people?”

Freedom-Loving Beachwear by Red Beach Nation - Save 10% With Code RVM10

Khanna cited Bondi’s previous comments about the Epstein files being “on her desk,” and accused the administration of walking back its commitment to transparency.

“Now she’s saying, ‘Nothing to see here,’” Khanna added. “We need to restore trust in government.”

Committee Republicans push back

Rules Committee Chair Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) declined to elaborate on the panel’s decision but maintained that the language of the amendment posed “legal complications” regarding ongoing matters and executive privilege.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE THE DUPREE REPORT

Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) said he was “shocked” by the vote outcome and warned the GOP’s decision would fuel further speculation about the nature of Epstein’s high-powered connections.

“This isn’t a partisan issue—it’s about basic accountability,” McGovern said.

Broader political pressure builds

The failed amendment comes amid renewed public scrutiny over Epstein’s death, alleged client list, and potential connections to influential political and business figures. It also adds pressure to the Trump administration, which pledged during the 2024 campaign to release the full Epstein files.

Bondi’s recent statements downplaying the contents of the documents have only fueled criticism from both Democrats and conservative Trump allies who once saw disclosure as a central promise.

“This is not going away,” a Democratic leadership aide told TDR. “The public wants answers—and this issue has real staying power.”

If Congress won’t demand full transparency, who will? Let us know your thoughts in the comments and share this story.

Follow The Dupree Report on YouTube

Freedom-Loving Beachwear by Red Beach Nation - Save 10% With Code RVM10