Lawmakers Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie threaten congressional contempt over incomplete and redacted Jeffrey Epstein files released by the DOJ
Two U.S. lawmakers are threatening to invoke a rarely used congressional sanction against the Department of Justice over what they describe as a failure to release all documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, officials said on Sunday.
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Representatives Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, and Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, co-sponsored the Epstein Files Transparency Act to compel the Justice Department to release files by a statutory deadline.
Both legislators contend the released materials contain excessive redactions and omit key information.
Massie told CBS’s Face the Nation that the “most expeditious way to get justice for these victims is to bring inherent contempt against Pam Bondi,” referring to the Attorney General.
Khanna added that the House could act independently of the Senate to levy a fine against Bondi and expressed confidence in securing bipartisan support.
Inherent contempt allows Congress to fine or arrest executive officials who obstruct legislative functions, a measure last successfully used in the 1930s, according to the American Bar Association.
The Justice Department defended its partial release of documents, which included heavy redactions.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said on NBC’s Meet the Press that the release met statutory requirements and that hundreds of lawyers are reviewing remaining documents to protect victim identities.
Despite the DOJ’s assurances, bipartisan criticism continues.
Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky stated on ABC’s This Week that withholding information could prolong public distrust and urged the department to release all materials.
The controversy escalated when photographs included in the release, including one depicting a desk with a photo of President Trump, were temporarily removed.
The Justice Department said the Southern District of New York flagged the image for review to ensure no victims were depicted.
After confirmation, the photo was reposted without redactions.
Other removed images remain unexplained.
In addition, the DOJ uploaded a revised 119-page transcript of grand jury proceedings involving Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell, with minimal redactions.
The department emphasised that documents and images continue to be reviewed in accordance with the law and with “an abundance of caution” for victims and their families.
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The dispute underscores ongoing tensions between Congress and the Justice Department over transparency and victims’ rights, highlighting the challenges of balancing public disclosure with legal safeguards in high-profile cases.
