July 23, 2025

In response to House Republicans fleeing the Capitol and starting the August recess early to avoid the release of the Epstein files, Missouri Democratic Party Chair Russ Carnahan released the following statement: 

“Rather than grow a backbone and stand up for what’s right, Missouri Republicans are fleeing the Capitol to avoid releasing the Epstein files to protect Donald Trump and his elite friends. Missourians elected Republicans to deliver results, not to protect predators and take long, taxpayer-funded vacations,” said Missouri Democratic Party Chair Russ Carnahan. “After passing the biggest wealth redistribution in American history with Republicans’ budget betrayal, Republicans have made it clear their only interest is in protecting the rich and the powerful.” 

Background:

Politico: “House Republicans will scrap several votes this week as internal party drama over Jeffrey Epstein derails a key committee that handles legislation on its way to the floor. 

“The House Rules Committee came to a standstill Monday night as GOP leaders struggled to contain rank-and-file Republicans and their Democratic allies clamoring for a floor vote to compel the publication of materials related to the late disgraced financier and convicted sex offender. … That means House members will depart for August recess at the week’s end without being able to vote on legislation that would not otherwise be able to pass on the chamber floor with a simple majority vote, including an immigration-related bill that would increase penalties for individuals who enter the country illegally and a water-permitting measure.”

Axios: “House GOP blocks second Dem attempt to release Epstein files”

NewsWire: “Trump is ‘ratioed’ on his own platform as MAGA fury erupts over Epstein scandal.”

Politico: “The Epstein Saga Has Splintered Trump’s Movement Like Nothing Before”

Rasmussen Poll: “Roughly two-thirds of every political category - 68% of Democrats, 66% of Republicans and 69% of unaffiliated voters - reject the idea that the Epstein case is closed and instead believe that there are dozens of powerful and wealthy offenders who need to face justice.”

CNN Poll: “Americans are broadly dissatisfied with how much Epstein info the government has released. … Very conservative Republicans and Republican-leaning independents are far more likely to be dissatisfied than are those who consider themselves somewhat conservative (48% vs. 40%).”

Quinnipiac Poll: “17 percent of voters say they approve of the way the Trump Administration is handling the Jeffrey Epstein files, while 63 percent of voters disapprove…”

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Media Contact: 

Chelsea Rodriguez, Communications Director

press@missouridems.org