House Republicans have narrowly blocked a Democratic-led effort to force the release of all Justice Department records related to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The push came in the form of a proposed amendment from Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) to the GENIUS Act, a major cryptocurrency bill. Khanna’s measure would have required Attorney General Pam Bondi to compile and publish all files, evidence, and communications regarding Epstein’s investigations within 30 days on a public website.

The House Rules Committee, dominated by Republicans, rejected the amendment by a 7-5 vote. Only one Republican, Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), joined Democrats in support; Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) abstained.

Democrats argued the measure was necessary to restore public trust and ensure accountability, emphasizing a broken GOP promise to release the files. “The question with Epstein is: Whose side are you on?” Khanna told reporters. “Are you on the side of the rich and powerful, or are you on the side of the people?”

Democrat Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) criticized Republicans for backtracking: “This is about trust. Republicans said, ‘Trust us. Vote for us and we will release these files.’ Well here we are—they’re backtracking.”

Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.), Rules Committee chair, defended the majority’s decision: “I think most of us believe what’s appropriate will be released when it is time for the president to release it.”

The vote comes after the Justice Department and FBI issued a memo concluding their exhaustive review found no “incriminating client list” and ruled Epstein’s 2019 death in federal custody a suicide. The memo stated no further disclosure was warranted—angering Democrats and many Trump-aligned conservatives who demand more answers.

President Trump’s appeals to “move on” from the Epstein files have fueled backlash from segments of his base and intensified cross-party demands for full disclosure.