Congressmen Vow to Act on Epstein Files, Citing DOJ's "Massive Blackout" as Law Noncompliance

Representatives Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie expressed disappointment and frustration with the Justice Department's release of the Jeffrey Epstein files on Friday, stating that the extensive redactions do not comply with the law that Congress passed last month mandating their disclosure. The California Democrat and the Kentucky Republican led the effort on the legislation, which required the DOJ to put out its entire trove of documents by today. According to Rep. Khanna, the document dump is incomplete and contains too many redactions, particularly in a New York grand jury file where all 119 pages were blacked out. This, despite a federal judge ordering the release of that document, Khanna said in a video posted on X. "There's not a single explanation," Khanna stated, emphasizing that the law requires the Justice Department to explain the redactions. The congressman also expressed concern that the lack of transparency may be hindering the public's understanding of the Epstein case, which has implicated other rich and powerful men who were on Epstein's private island. The Justice Department's release of the Epstein files was met with criticism from Rep. Khanna, who accused Attorney General Pam Bondi of obfuscating for months. Bondi has been under scrutiny for her handling of the Epstein case, and Khanna's comments reflect the ongoing tensions between Congress and the Justice Department over the release of the documents. The Epstein files have been a subject of intense interest, with many lawmakers and the public eager to learn more about the financier's alleged sex trafficking ring and the involvement of other prominent individuals. The release of the documents is part of a broader effort to shed light on the Epstein case and hold those responsible accountable. In response to the Justice Department's release, Rep. Massie stated that he and Rep. Khanna are working on drafting articles of impeachment against Attorney General Bondi. "We will not stand idly by while the Justice Department ignores the law and fails to provide transparency to the American people," Massie said in a separate X post. The Justice Department has not commented on the allegations made by Reps. Khanna and Massie. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Congress will proceed with its efforts to hold the Justice Department accountable for the release of the Epstein files.