Two members of the US Congress have warned that they may take legal action against Attorney General Pam Bondi after the government failed to fully release files linked to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The Department of Justice (DoJ) had been expected to publish all documents connected to its investigations into Epstein by a set deadline. While some records were made public, large portions were redacted and others were withheld, falling short of what lawmakers and campaigners had demanded.
Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, a prominent advocate for full disclosure, said the limited release could lead to contempt proceedings against Bondi. He accused the justice department of ignoring both the intent and the requirements of the law.
The DoJ has rejected these claims, maintaining that it is meeting its legal duties. Bondi has also defended the administration’s approach, describing it as the most transparent in US history.
The so-called “Epstein files” include evidence and records gathered during two federal criminal investigations into Epstein. A law mandating their release was signed by President Donald Trump in November, following pressure from Republican lawmakers and supporters. Friday marked the deadline set out in the legislation.
The partial disclosure has drawn criticism not only from lawmakers but also from survivors of Epstein’s abuse. Although the justice department has promised that additional material will be released in the coming weeks, critics say the delay undermines accountability. Trump has not yet publicly commented on the controversy.
In an interview with CBS’s Face the Nation, Massie said the situation left Congress with limited options. He argued that using a rarely invoked power known as “inherent contempt” could be the fastest way to force compliance, without involving the courts.
Inherent contempt allows either chamber of Congress to penalize executive officials directly. According to the American Bar Association, it has not been used in nearly 100 years.
Massie said he is working on the effort with Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna, highlighting the bipartisan nature of the push for transparency. Khanna confirmed that discussions are underway to build cross-party support.
Khanna explained that the proposal could involve daily financial penalties against Bondi until the remaining documents are released. Unlike impeachment, which would require broader congressional backing, a contempt action would only need approval from the House of Representatives.
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