US Lawmakers Threaten Legal Action Over Epstein-Related DoJ Files Release
US lawmakers are threatening legal action against Attorney General Pam Bondi due to the incomplete release of Epstein-related Department of Justice (DoJ) files by the designated Friday deadline.
Republican Representative Thomas Massie indicated he might pursue inherent contempt charges against Bondi, a move that could compel the release of the documents. Meanwhile, Democratic Representative Ro Khanna is drafting a bipartisan plan to impose daily fines on Bondi for failing to release the documents as required.
The DoJ maintains that it is in compliance with the statute and plans to release additional documents in the coming weeks. Bondi has stated that this administration is the most transparent in history.
The Epstein files consist of a trove from two investigations and were subject to a law signed by President Trump in November which mandates their full release. Bondi's deputy, Todd Blanche, noted there are about a million pages in the collection, most containing victim information. Some files that were released had previously been removed, including one with an image of Trump, which was reinstated after review.
Senator Tim Kaine cautioned that actions such as contempt or impeachment would be premature, suggesting that other mechanisms, such as appropriations, should be employed to enforce compliance.
