🏛️ ⚖️ Murkowski, Sullivan Join GOP in Blocking Release of Epstein Files in 51–49 Senate Vote
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| Alaska Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan vote to block the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, keeping key details sealed. |
In a razor-thin 51–49 vote on September 10, Senate Republicans — including Alaska Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan — blocked an amendment that would have forced the Justice Department to release federal case files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
The amendment, offered by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), was attached to the annual defense bill. It sought to compel the Attorney General to make “all documents related to Jeffrey Epstein” publicly available.
According to the official Senate roll call, both Murkowski and Sullivan voted “Yea” on a motion to table the amendment — effectively killing the effort. (U.S. Senate Roll Call Vote 512)
“This was the deciding vote. Had Murkowski voted the other way, the amendment would have passed,” wrote Alaska journalist Dermot Cole, noting she was among the final senators to cast a ballot. (Dermot Cole, Reporting From Alaska)
Democrats argued the public has a right to know the full extent of Epstein’s connections. Schumer said before the vote:
“The American people deserve transparency. These files should not remain hidden.” (Axios)
Republicans countered that the amendment was a political stunt inserted into the wrong bill.
Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) said the push was “grandstanding,” arguing such disclosures should go through judicial and privacy channels, not the defense bill. (Reuters)
This is not the first time Murkowski has voiced discomfort with the Epstein issue. In July, she told Alaska’s News Source that debates over the files had become “a distraction,” adding:
“We need to deal with the Epstein thing once and for all so we can focus on real policy.” (Alaska’s News Source)
The failed amendment means that, for now, the bulk of federal Epstein files will remain sealed.
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