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WASHINGTON — Lawmakers from both parties are pressing the Justice Department to release additional documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following what they describe as an incomplete disclosure under a newly enacted transparency law.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer on Monday, Dec. 22, introduced a resolution that would compel the Justice Department to release more records connected to Epstein. At the same time, two House members said they are considering holding Attorney General Pam Bondi in contempt of Congress for failing to comply fully with the law.
“This administration cannot be allowed to hide the truth,” Schumer said in a post on social media. While the Senate could take up the resolution as early as January, its prospects remain uncertain, as Democrats are currently in the minority.
Lawmakers Accuse DOJ of Withholding Records
Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Ro Khanna of California accused Bondi of “breaking the law” by not releasing all required documents. Both lawmakers said they are exploring measures to hold the attorney general in contempt of Congress if additional records are not disclosed.
Massie has specifically called for the use of “inherent contempt,” a rarely used congressional power, arguing that survivors of Epstein’s abuse have been denied full transparency.
“Epstein survivors aren’t satisfied with the DOJ’s incomplete and redacted disclosures,” Massie said on Sunday, Dec. 21. “Unfortunately, Attorney General Bondi is breaking the law.”
DOJ Defends Its Actions, Promises More Releases
Bondi has defended the Justice Department’s approach, stating on social media that prosecutors will pursue charges against anyone involved in Epstein’s alleged trafficking and exploitation of girls as young as 14. She also urged victims to come forward and described the Trump administration as “the most transparent in history.”
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche acknowledged on Friday, Dec. 19, that while hundreds of thousands of documents had been released, many more remain under review. He said some records may be withheld due to legal protections, including attorney-client privilege and internal legal deliberations.
Blanche told Congress that additional documents would be released in the coming weeks.
Transparency Law Sets Deadlines
Congress previously passed, and President Donald Trump signed, the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which required the Justice Department to release all records by Dec. 19, provided they did not identify victims, depict child sexual abuse, or jeopardize ongoing prosecutions.
The law also directs the department to publicly list any withheld documents and explain the reasons for nondisclosure within 15 days.
Lawmakers pushing for further disclosures say they will continue to apply pressure until the department fully complies with the law.
