Washington, D.C. Lawmakers from both parties are escalating pressure on the U.S. Department of Justice after it failed to meet a statutory deadline to fully release records related to convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. The dispute centers on the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which Congress passed overwhelmingly last month and which requires the DOJ to declassify all information connected to Epstein’s activities.
Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Ro Khanna of California, who led the legislative effort, say the Justice Department missed the law’s 30-day deadline and released only a limited and heavily redacted portion of the files. As a result, the lawmakers are now threatening to hold Attorney General Pam Bondi in contempt of Congress, a step that could trigger fines, impeachment proceedings, or potential jail time.
Bondi has defended the department, arguing that additional time is needed to redact sensitive material to protect victims’ privacy. She has said remaining documents will be released incrementally. Another batch of files is scheduled for release later Monday, though critics say past releases undermine confidence in the process.
Massie has accused the DOJ of issuing a “bogus” release that shields wealthy and politically connected individuals. Khanna echoed those concerns, demanding that future disclosures include FBI witness interviews, Epstein’s seized emails, a draft indictment, and internal prosecution memos. Meanwhile, 18 Epstein survivors wrote to Congress condemning the DOJ’s handling of the release, saying excessive redactions have obstructed their search for accountability.
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