Democrats attach Epstein files measure to a crypto bill

News | By Easton Martin | July 16, 2025

House Democrats recently succeeded in attaching a measure aimed at forcing the release of Jeffrey Epstein-related records to a broader legislative package known as the GENIUS Act, which primarily deals with stablecoin regulation and national defense funding.

The amendment, introduced by Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) in the House Rules Committee, would require Attorney General Pam Bondi to publish all Department of Justice and FBI records related to Epstein’s investigations on a public website within 30 days. The measure passed out of committee on a 6–5 vote, with Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) joining Democrats in support.

Republicans on the committee largely opposed the amendment, arguing that it was unrelated to the GENIUS Act and amounted to political posturing. Democrats, however, have framed the move as a push for transparency, particularly in light of widespread public skepticism surrounding Epstein’s death and alleged ties to high-profile individuals.

While the measure did not reach the full House floor within the GENIUS Act, Khanna has since introduced a standalone bill titled the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The bill is co-sponsored by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and seeks to compel the Attorney General to release the documents within the same 30-day timeframe.

House leadership has expressed openness to greater transparency. Speaker Mike Johnson publicly urged Bondi to release the records if they exist. The Department of Justice has maintained that no further documents are being withheld and that Epstein’s death remains ruled a suicide.

The issue is gaining traction as a rare area of bipartisan interest.