Epstein files release efforts are entering a critical stage as bipartisan lawmakers push the Justice Department for an immediate briefing on its progress. With the 30-day deadline established by the newly enacted Epstein Files Transparency Act fast approaching, members of Congress are pressing Attorney General Pam Bondi for clarity on what remains to be done — and whether any new information could delay the legal mandate.
Key Points
In a letter dated Wednesday and obtained first by NBC News, five lawmakers from both parties and both chambers expressed concern that procedural or evidentiary issues could interfere with the timely release of documents. They requested a briefing by Friday, emphasizing the importance of transparency, accountability, and careful implementation that protects survivors.
Their inquiry marks one of the most assertive congressional actions yet surrounding the law, which requires the Justice Department and the FBI to publicly release a wide range of unclassified materials connected to Jeffrey Epstein.
Bipartisan Lawmakers Demand Swift Action
Sens. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore, signed the letter.; Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska; and Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., along with the bill’s authors, Reps. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Ro Khanna, D-Calif. Their coalition underscores the rare bipartisan alignment behind the effort to release the Epstein files.
“In light of the short 30-day deadline…we are particularly focused on understanding the contents of any new evidence, information, or procedural hurdles,” the lawmakers wrote. They stressed their “shared interest in supporting the Department of Justice’s efforts” to meet the requirements of the law.
Congress passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act with overwhelming support on Nov. 19. The statute mandates a comprehensive release of unclassified documents, including communications, internal government records, investigative materials, and travel logs connected to Epstein and his associates.
Under the law, political sensitivity or potential embarrassment cannot be used as grounds to withhold information.
Justice Department Already Conducting New Review
The Justice Department recently launched an investigation into Epstein’s connections with several prominent public figures, citing newly surfaced information. That probe, initiated in response to a request from President Donald Trump, includes references to former President Bill Clinton and former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers.
Lawmakers now want to know how this new review intersects with the federal obligation to release the documents — and whether any portions may require temporary redactions to protect active investigative work.
They asked for flexibility in scheduling the briefing, offering a classified or unclassified format, but insisted that it occur no later than Dec. 5.
Safeguards for Survivors Remain Central
While the law prioritizes transparency, it also includes strict provisions to safeguard survivors. Information that could identify victims must be appropriately redacted, and lawmakers urged the Justice Department to work directly with victims and their legal representatives to ensure compliance.
They wrote that the law should be “fully implemented with critical safeguards to protect survivors,” reinforcing that accuracy and sensitivity must shape the disclosure process.
This balance — broad public transparency alongside essential privacy protections — has become a guiding theme as federal agencies prepare their document review.
A Far-Reaching Mandate Unlike Any Before
The Epstein Files Transparency Act is sweeping in scope, requiring the release of:
- All unclassified DOJ and FBI investigative materials
- Internal government communications related to Epstein
- Documents tied to Epstein’s associates or entities with known or alleged connections
- Travel histories and relevant federal records
- Materials concerning Epstein’s death
The law contains only narrow exceptions. Any withholding must be temporary and specifically limited to protecting active investigations or prosecutions. Agencies cannot cite political considerations or reputational concerns as justification for nondisclosure.
This structure places unprecedented public scrutiny on records that have remained sealed for years, heightening expectations for what the Epstein files release may reveal — and intensifying pressure on federal officials to meet the deadline.
Countdown to December 19
With the statutory 30-day window ending on Dec. 19, lawmakers want immediate reassurance that the Justice Department will fulfill its obligations. Their letter signals growing impatience and a desire for firm commitments before the clock runs out.
The request also highlights Congress’s larger effort to rebuild public confidence in the handling of the Epstein case, following years of questions surrounding past investigations, plea agreements, and procedural decisions.
How the DOJ responds — and whether it can deliver a transparent, timely release — will determine not only public understanding of the case, but also future debates around government accountability in high-profile investigations.
Conclusion
The push for the Epstein files release has entered a pivotal phase as bipartisan lawmakers seek prompt answers from Attorney General Pam Bondi. With the transparency law’s deadline approaching, Congress wants clarity on potential challenges, new evidence under review, and steps required to protect victims’ privacy while ensuring a full and lawful disclosure.
The coming days will determine whether the Justice Department can meet its obligations — and whether the long-awaited files will finally come to light as written in federal statute.
