Chicago – December 22, 2025
Two U.S. lawmakers are threatening to invoke a rarely used congressional power against the Department of Justice (DOJ), accusing it of failing to fully release files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein by a legally mandated deadline.
Representatives Ro Khanna, a Democrat from California, and Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, say the Justice Department’s release of Epstein-related documents was incomplete and overly redacted, violating the intent of the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
Threat of Inherent Contempt Against Attorney General
Rep. Massie said Congress is considering using inherent contempt, a seldom-used sanction that allows the House to fine or detain executive officials accused of obstructing legislative duties.
“I think the most expeditious way to get justice for these victims is to bring inherent contempt against Pam Bondi,” Massie said, referring to the U.S. Attorney General. He added that he and Khanna are actively drafting the measure.
Inherent contempt was last successfully enforced in the 1930s, according to the American Bar Association, making it an extraordinary step in modern congressional oversight.
Bipartisan Support Building in the House
Rep. Khanna emphasized that the House of Representatives does not require Senate approval to move forward with inherent contempt proceedings. He said such action could result in financial penalties against Attorney General Bondi.
“I believe we’re going to get bipartisan support in holding her accountable,” Khanna said, signaling growing frustration across party lines over the DOJ’s handling of the Epstein records.
Justice Department Defends Partial Disclosure
The Justice Department pushed back against the criticism, defending its decision to release documents in stages. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said that the DOJ is complying fully with the law.
“The material that we released on Friday, or the material that we’re going to release over the next couple of weeks, is exactly what the statute requires us to release,” Blanche said.
However, lawmakers argue that significant redactions and missing files undermine transparency and delay accountability for Epstein’s victims.
