Senate Republicans have barely defeated an effort by Democrats to insert language into Congress’ annual defense authorization bill that would have forced the public release of case files on the sex trafficking investigation into the late Jeffrey Epstein.

Sens. Josh Hawley and Rand Paul voted with all Democrats to hold a vote on Schumer's amendment, but enough Republicans voted to swat it down, meaning it will no longer be considered. It would have taken 60 votes to pass the Schumer amendment.

The GOP tabled Schumer's amendment, but Republicans Rand Paul and Josh Hawley joined Democrats in voting in favor of releasing all of the records.

Democratic leader Chuck Schumer decries “coverups,” while GOP leader John Thune calls the measure a political stunt.