House Republicans Block Epstein Files Amendment To Landmark Crypto Bill – Details

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As the week devoted to crypto madness begins, a curious spectacle unfolds in the House of Representatives, where Republicans, ever the guardians of secrecy, decided to block an amendment that would have forced the US Department of Justice (DOJ) to release those oh-so-elusive Epstein files.

Democrats Propose Controversial Amendment

On Monday, in a move that can only be described as the *ultimate* political chess game, the House of Representatives Committee on Rules voted decisively against a proposed amendment to the “Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins” (GENIUS) Act. This amendment was not just about stablecoins—oh no, it was about Epstein. Yes, the very same Epstein who managed to escape the attention of many (except, of course, those with a deep interest in international scandals).

According to the latest episode of “The Capitol’s Drama Hour,” House Democrats were in full force, pushing for a vote that would have required Attorney General Pam Bondi to release the dreaded “Epstein files.” It’s like a real-life soap opera, only with more regulations and fewer plot twists. Axios reports that this was part of a strategic effort to pit GOP members against each other, capitalizing on the scandalous Epstein files to further divide them. Because who doesn’t want more political theater with a dash of crypto thrown in?

In case you’ve been living under a rock (or perhaps just avoiding the circus that is modern politics), here’s the backstory: the Trump administration faced heavy criticism for their handling of Epstein’s case. The DOJ went full “nothing to see here,” declaring that Epstein’s death was a suicide and that—surprise!—no client list existed. Because, as we all know, nothing says “trustworthy” like sweeping things under the rug, right?

Enter Representative Ro Khanna, who filed the amendment to the GENIUS Act just in time for the “Crypto Week” festivities. This amendment would have demanded AG Bondi to preserve and release any records related to Epstein’s investigation and publish them on a public website. Within 30 days of the crypto bill becoming law, of course. Because what’s a crypto bill without a little Epstein drama thrown into the mix?

But wait, there’s more! Representative Marc Veasey, also known as the “I’m-not-done-yet” politician, vowed to introduce his own resolution demanding that the Trump administration release all the Epstein files. However, both amendments were expected to have about as much chance of passing as a snowball in a furnace. But hey, at least the Democrats were hoping to embarrass the GOP in the process. And who doesn’t enjoy a little good-natured political embarrassment, right?

Rules Committee Focuses On Crypto Regulation

On July 14, the House Rules Committee, in a narrow 6-5 vote, rejected Khanna’s amendment. The Republicans, ever the champions of keeping things focused on what really matters—stablecoins—argued that tying Epstein’s files to crypto regulation was, well, let’s just say “not pertinent.” This is, of course, the same GOP that has been pushing for a “safe and pro-growth regulatory framework” for stablecoins, allowing tokens like USDT and USDC to be governed by the Federal Reserve.

The GENIUS Act, introduced by Senator Bill Hagerty back in February, was described as a step towards making America the “world capital of crypto.” Because, in the grand scheme of things, why not throw a little crypto dominance into the mix, right? Stability, growth, and of course, those pesky little files from Epstein’s mysterious life—let’s just sweep that under the rug!

In a bizarre twist, Republican Representative Ralph Norman voted with the four Democrats in favor of the amendment, arguing that “the public’s been asking for it.” Ah, the public—always so vocal when it comes to things that don’t really matter, like crypto and Epstein’s dark secrets. But then, in a classic politician move, he turned around and voted against the five-page resolution by Veasey. After all, it’s all about “crypto regulations” at the end of the day, not, you know, dead millionaires or the public’s insatiable curiosity.

And as for the GENIUS Act itself, it sailed through the Senate in mid-June, only to be sent to the House to continue its long, winding path through the legislative process. Naturally, House leaders have proposed merging it with the CLARITY Act to give the bills a better chance of passing before the August recess. Because what says “success” like more legislative haggling?

Senate Banking Committee Chair Tim Scott has hinted at a new timeline for crypto market structure, suggesting that, in the grand scheme of things, keeping the bills separate might be a better strategy. After all, why keep it simple when you can keep it complicated, right?

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2025-07-16 11:15