WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Democrats will try to force the Department of Justice to hand over files on disgraced financier and convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein. The Democrats are using a little-known law to get those files.
“Invoking a century old little-known law known as the rule of five to compel the Department of Justice to release the full and complete Epstein files,” said Sen. Chuck Schumer (D- NY).
We’re told this arcane law gives members the ability to wield influence over executive branch agencies. It also gives minority members on oversight committees the ability to request information without the help of the committee chairman.
“Our request covers all documents, files and other materials in possession of the DOJ related to the case against the United States versus Jeffrey Epstein,” said Sen. Schumer. “While protecting the victims’ identities can and must be the top importance, the public has a right to know who enabled and participated in one of the most heinous sex trafficking operations in history.”
Senator Gary Peters (D- MI), the ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee said it’s a unique statutory authority that is granted only to that committee.
“It’s certainly disappointing we have to take this action to hold President Trump to his word but we believe providing this transparency is what’s best for the American people,” said Sen. Peters.
Democrats are using this maneuver to capitalize on GOP infighting over the Epstein files. The issue has divided the President’s base with many in his party wanting more transparency and the President calling it a “hoax”. It’s still unclear if this law will include the documents that are under seal by the courts. When asked to clarify about that, Senator Schumer said it could be part of litigation to get those documents.
