‘Not a stunt’: Schumer invokes rare rule to push Epstein files release
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is invoking a rarely used congressional procedure known as the “Rule of Five” to compel the Department of Justice to release files related to Jeffrey Epstein, including facts about individuals once connected to the late convicted sex offender. This move represents the most aggressive effort by Senate Democrats to date to obtain the documents and is seen as a strategic attempt to create divisions within the Republican Party over the handling of the Epstein case. Schumer emphasized that this is a serious, legally grounded exercise of congressional oversight, not a political stunt.
Democrats on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee have formally requested the documents from Attorney General Pam Bondi, who has so far refused bipartisan calls for transparency. While the Trump management is expected to resist the demand, Schumer expressed confidence that legal avenues exist to enforce the law, though details on enforcement remain unclear. Some Republicans have expressed mixed reactions,with some urging transparency while others remain cautious.
This effort follows previous attempts under past administrations to use the same rule, but with little legal precedent to guarantee the success of this approach. Schumer is also seeking bipartisan support but is prepared to challenge any refusal through the courts.The release of these files could potentially include sensitive materials such as grand jury testimony, albeit with appropriate redactions to protect victims.
‘Not a stunt’: Schumer invokes rare ‘Rule of Five’ to force release of Epstein files
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is looking to capitalize on the Jeffrey Epstein feud roiling Republicans by trying to invoke a nearly century-old law to require the release of files detailing those once connected to the late child sex offender.
Senate Democrats’ use of the maneuver marks their most aggressive effort to date to compel the files and comes as they increasingly see the saga as a political opportunity to splinter the GOP, a strategy House Democrats first mounted weeks ago.
“It’s not a stunt. It’s not symbolic,” Schumer told reporters Wednesday. “It’s a formal exercise of congressional power under federal law.”
Democrats on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee invoked the little-known “Rule of Five,” an arcane law that allows at least five minority members on the panel to compel documents and information under the committee’s purview, to the Department of Justice. Democrats sent their formal request for the Epstein files via letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, who has so far rebuffed bipartisan demands for their release, and expect an answer by Aug. 15.
The DOJ acknowledged receiving the letter but declined to comment. The White House did not respond to a request for comment.
“This is what oversight looks like, and this is what keeping your promises to the American people looks like,” Schumer said. “I urge my Republican colleagues in the Senate: If you believe in transparency, if you believe Congress has a role to play in checking the executive, join us.”
Schumer said the files with appropriate redactions would be acceptable but expressed the belief that “almost everything” can be disclosed, possibly including grand jury testimony sealed by the courts.
However, the Trump administration’s unwillingness to release the files foreshadows a likely refusal of Democrats’ demand.
Schumer was adamant Democrats would have legal recourse to enforce the law, but it was not immediately clear how, because legal action from Congress can only be taken by the majority party in both chambers. He declined to detail what enforcement mechanisms might be at Democrats’ disposal.
“Our hope is that our Republican colleagues will join us in this. This is a law. It should be bipartisan. And we’re still talking to Republican colleagues about trying to join us,” Schumer said. “But if not, there’s recourse in the courts. This is the law.”
Schumer, pressed further on how the minority would bring a lawsuit, declined to elaborate.
“We have talked to some of our lawyers, and we will — this can be challenged in the courts,” he said.
The Homeland Security Committee’s chairman, Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), told the Washington Examiner that GOP staff was still reviewing the matter. Other panel Republicans offered mixed reviews.
“DOJ should make as much transparent as they can,” Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) said. “That’s already the statement that they’ve made to try to be able figure out how to do that and still be able to protect the victims in the process.”
Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI), who said he’s “as curious as anybody” about the content of the files, called it “bizarre” how Republicans are now blocking the release of something they called for under former President Joe Biden and were met with resistance from Democrats.
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Democrats and Republicans have tried previously to use the strategy, including under former President George W. Bush and in President Donald Trump’s first term. But there is little legal precedent to shed light on whether the law could withstand scrutiny in the courts.
Schumer declined to disclose whether Democrats might try to force the files’ release as part of a bipartisan deal to fast-track Trump’s pending nominations awaiting confirmation or with an agreement on the annual government budget process.
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