We have breaking news from Capitol Hill this afternoon, and it’s a story that raises serious questions about transparency, accountability, and what exactly members of Congress are protecting.
Just moments ago, the House of Representatives voted down an effort to bring forward an amendment to release the Jeffrey Epstein files—a move led by progressive Democrat Rep. Ro Khanna of California. This comes after the House Rules Committee narrowly rejected attaching the amendment to a broader procedural measure concerning the GENIUS Act and a major defense funding bill. The final Rules Committee vote was 5 to 6.
Refusing to let the issue die in committee, Khanna forced a full House vote on the floor. The outcome was the same—the amendment failed again, with House Republicans voting as a bloc to keep the Epstein documents sealed.
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Meanwhile, Donald Trump was asked about the Epstein files today. A reporter asked if Attorney General Bondi told Trump that his name appeared in the Epstein files. Trump responded, “No… I would say these files were made up by Comey and Obama, made up by the Biden…” implying that he believed the documents were fabricated by political opponents rather than addressing the content directly.
We’re not talking about vague rumors or conspiracy theories. These are official U.S. government files about Jeffrey Epstein, a known sex trafficker with documented ties to wealthy and powerful individuals across politics, business, and international institutions. The public has a right to know what’s in those documents. The families of victims deserve to see the full picture. And yet, Republicans chose secrecy over sunlight.
I spoke with Congressman Eric Swalwell, who offered some candid insight into the mood inside the chamber. He described an encounter with a Republican colleague today who gave him a sort of wink and nod—essentially a quiet signal to keep going with the push to release the files, even though that Republican wouldn’t vote for it. That moment reveals a troubling dynamic: there may be members of the Republican caucus who support transparency in private but refuse to break ranks in public.
Why that is, only they can answer. But it raises the stakes and deepens the mystery about what exactly is in those files and who might be implicated.
Despite today’s vote, Ro Khanna and a growing number of Democrats have made it clear they will continue pressing for the release of the Epstein files. The issue is far from over, and public pressure will likely play a huge role going forward.
If you’re wondering what can be done, the answer is straightforward: call your representatives. Demand answers. Ask them where they stood on this vote. These documents are not just historical records—they contain information that could shine a light on powerful networks of abuse and cover-up.
I also spoke to Swalwell about another urgent issue playing out in California this week—heightened ICE raids in various communities. He expressed concern over what he described as intentionally destabilizing tactics by federal immigration authorities. These actions are creating fear and confusion among law-abiding immigrants and mixed-status families, many of whom have lived in the U.S. for decades.
He urged constituents to know their rights and reach out to legal aid groups across California. No one should open their door without a warrant, and no one should feel like they’re navigating this situation alone. He also emphasized the role of local governments in maintaining sanctuary protections and legal support networks.
Today’s events are more than just a procedural footnote in Congress. They’re a window into what our elected leaders choose to protect—and what they choose to suppress.
The fight to release the Epstein files is not just about one man’s crimes. It’s about who else may have been involved. It’s about whether justice is applied evenly in America. And it’s about whether the public is allowed to know the full story.
Today, House Republicans said no. But tomorrow, with enough pressure, they might not have that choice.
Stay informed. Stay loud. Stay vigilant.
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