Burchett blames Democrats for blocking Epstein files

On Nov. 12, 2025, a House discharge petition reached 218 signatures — 214 from Democrats and four from Republicans — forcing a floor vote to release remaining Jeffrey Epstein files. Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) then publicly blamed Democratic leadership for blocking his earlier unanimous-consent request to release the records, even though Democrats supplied the votes that forced the vote. The episode exposed partisan contradictions: Democrats demanded release through procedural pressure while Republicans accused them of grandstanding.