The Rule of Five, formally known as Section 2954, was first enacted in 1928, establishing a right for lawmakers to access information from the executive branch.

Democrats moved Wednesday to force Donald Trump to release files from the investigation into notorious sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, invoking an obscure

The move is part of an effort by Democrats to draw Senate Republicans into the debate over the release of the Epstein files, which has bitterly divided the House G.O.P. and wrought havoc in that chamber.