NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WGNS) — U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), long an advocate for public transparency surrounding Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal activities, joined a majority of Senate Republicans this week in voting to block an amendment that would have mandated the release of Epstein-related documents.

The amendment, introduced by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), was attached to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a must-pass annual bill that governs defense policy and military spending. Schumer’s proposal would have required the U.S. Attorney General to release case files related to Epstein within 30 days.

The measure was tabled on a 51-49 vote, with all Republicans except Sens. Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Rand Paul (R-KY) voting to block it. All Democrats opposed tabling the amendment.

Sen. Blackburn defended her vote, calling the proposal “a political stunt” that she argued risked interfering with the legislative process for military funding. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Blackburn reiterated her ongoing support for uncovering Epstein’s network.

“For years, I have fought to expose the business associates of Jeffrey Epstein and those who were bankrolling his trafficking ring,” Blackburn wrote in July. “This has never been about celebrity—it has always been about achieving justice for the young women and girls who have been trafficked and abused.”

The debate over releasing Epstein-related files has garnered bipartisan interest, with lawmakers on both sides supporting more transparency. However, concerns about procedure, scope, and legislative priorities led most Republicans to oppose Schumer’s amendment.

Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-TN) also voted to table the amendment.

Epstein, a financier and convicted sex offender, died in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. His case has continued to spark public and political calls for the release of documents that could reveal more about his connections and activities.