Congressmen Claim Massive Blackout in Epstein Files Violates Law, Explore Impeachment Options

The Justice Department released a batch of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case on Friday, but lawmakers who pushed for the disclosure say the extensive redactions do not comply with the law. According to Rep. Ro Khanna, the California Democrat who led the effort on the legislation, the document dump falls short of the requirements set by Congress last month. Khanna and Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., had advocated for the release of the entire trove of documents by today, as mandated by the law. However, the Justice Department's redactions have sparked criticism from the lawmakers. In a video posted on X, Khanna singled out a file from a New York grand jury, where all 119 pages were blacked out. He noted that a federal judge had ordered the release of that document, and that the law requires the Department of Justice to explain the redactions. "There's not a single explanation," Khanna said. "That entire document was redacted." Khanna also expressed frustration that the released files do not include the draft indictment that implicates other rich and powerful men who were associated with Epstein's sex trafficking operation. "We have not seen the draft indictment that implicates other rich and powerful men who were on Epstein's rape island who either watched the abuse of young girls or participated in the abuse of young girls," Khanna said. The Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the criticism from Khanna and Massie. However, Attorney General Pam Bondi has been accused of obfuscating the release of the documents for months. In a separate X post, Massie echoed Khanna's concerns, stating that the files released on Friday were "incomplete" and contained "too many redactions." The controversy surrounding the Epstein case has been ongoing for years, with many calling for greater transparency and accountability. In 2020, Epstein was found dead in his cell while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. His death sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice. The lawmakers' criticism of the Justice Department's handling of the Epstein files comes as they explore all options, including impeachment, to ensure compliance with the law. "We are exploring all options to ensure that the law is followed," Khanna said. "This is not just about the Epstein case, it's about the principle of transparency and accountability in government." The situation remains fluid, with the Justice Department facing pressure to provide more information on the redacted documents and the draft indictment. As the controversy continues to unfold, lawmakers and the public will be watching closely to see how the situation develops.