The debate over who voted against releasing the Epstein files intensified in 2025 as both chambers of Congress faced mounting pressure to disclose long-sealed investigative material tied to Jeffrey Epstein and his network. Public attention surged after multiple legislative efforts aimed at releasing the documents failed, making the vote records a central point of scrutiny.
Recent actions in the Senate and House show exactly which lawmakers opposed or halted attempts to force the files’ release. These votes have become a major transparency issue in Washington, especially as victims’ advocates continue to push for full disclosure.
Senate Vote: Who Opposed Releasing the Epstein Files
In September 2025, the Senate took up a procedural measure that would have required the Department of Justice to release the Epstein-related documents. The measure failed in a narrow vote, effectively blocking the immediate disclosure effort.
A total of 51 senators voted against advancing the measure. Those “no” votes came entirely from Senate Republicans, several of whom provided public statements stressing concerns about privacy protections, legal implications, and the scope of the proposed release.
Among the Republicans who voted against releasing the documents were:
- Dan Sullivan (Alaska)
- Lisa Murkowski (Alaska)
- Cindy Hyde-Smith (Mississippi)
- Roger Wicker (Mississippi)
- John Cornyn (Texas)
These senators were part of the majority that stopped the measure from moving forward. Their votes ensured that the amendment tied to the release of the Epstein files did not reach a full debate or final passage.
The failure of this Senate vote remains one of the defining moments in the ongoing national effort to access the records.
House Committee Vote: Who Blocked Prior Release Attempts
Before the Senate vote, a major roadblock emerged in the House of Representatives during the summer of 2025. An amendment requiring the release of the Epstein documents was submitted in the House Rules Committee.
The committee voted the amendment down in a 7–5 decision. All seven “no” votes came from Republican committee members.
One noted vote against the amendment was from:
- Erin Houchin (Indiana)
By rejecting the amendment, the committee prevented it from reaching the full House for consideration. This early-stage blockage became the first major barrier in Congress during the 2025 session.
How the Issue Reached the Senate Floor
The Senate vote did not happen in isolation. It followed months of pressure from lawmakers, victims’ advocates, and public figures calling for transparency surrounding Epstein’s associates and activities.
After the House committee defeat, supporters of the release attempted to push the issue forward through procedural channels. That effort culminated in the September Senate vote that failed by a slim margin.
Once the Senate rejected the measure, momentum shifted back to the House, where supporters began exploring alternate legislative routes.
Renewed Push in the House: Discharge Petition Effort
Following the committee blockade and Senate defeat, House Democrats initiated a discharge petition—an uncommon but powerful method for bringing a bill to the floor without approval from committee leadership.
Every House Democrat signed the petition. Four Republicans joined them, giving the petition bipartisan support. The Republican members who signed were:
- Thomas Massie (Kentucky)
- Lauren Boebert (Colorado)
- Marjorie Taylor Greene (Georgia)
- Nancy Mace (South Carolina)
The petition created a possible path forward, but whether it will produce a successful House vote remains uncertain. Even if the House passes such a measure, the Senate—based on its most recent voting record—would still need to approve it before the documents could be released.
Why The Votes Matter
Understanding who voted against releasing the Epstein files has become essential for several reasons.
First, the Epstein case involves a wide network of individuals, and many Americans believe the full record is necessary to understand how he operated for decades. Second, because Epstein’s criminal activity intersected with high-profile political, business, and social circles, withholding the documents fuels speculation.
Those who support the release argue that transparency is necessary for accountability. They believe the files may identify individuals who facilitated Epstein’s crimes or ignored them. Victims’ advocates insist that only a complete public release can bring closure and ensure justice.
Lawmakers who voted against disclosure cite legal, procedural, and privacy concerns. Some argue that releasing unvetted documents could create false accusations or interfere with ongoing investigations. Others say Congress should not set a precedent of mandating the release of sensitive federal law enforcement material.
These competing arguments have kept the debate alive throughout 2025.
Table: Key Lawmakers Who Voted Against Releasing the Epstein Files
| Chamber | Name | Party | State | Vote Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senate | Dan Sullivan | R | Alaska | Voted against release measure |
| Senate | Lisa Murkowski | R | Alaska | Voted against release measure |
| Senate | Cindy Hyde-Smith | R | Mississippi | Voted against release measure |
| Senate | Roger Wicker | R | Mississippi | Voted against release measure |
| Senate | John Cornyn | R | Texas | Voted against release measure |
| House Committee | Erin Houchin | R | Indiana | Voted against release amendment |
This list reflects key votes that directly influenced the legislative attempts to disclose the files.
What Happens Next
The issue is not settled. Several attempts to release the files remain active, including the House discharge petition. If the House can force a floor vote, it may pass a standalone bill or attach new language to a larger legislative package.
However, even a successful House vote would send the fight back to the Senate. Given the September results, supporters would need to flip at least two votes—or create a new proposal that attracts broader Republican support.
Advocates for transparency remain optimistic. They believe increasing public pressure, ongoing attention to the case, and continued reporting may shift the political landscape.
Opponents continue to warn that blanket disclosure could compromise individuals who were investigated but never charged, or expose sensitive material not intended for public release.
For now, Congress remains divided.
Do you think Congress should release the Epstein files, or will political pressure continue to shape the outcome? Share your thoughts below.