Congressional Pushback Against Attorney General Pam Bondi Over Epstein Files

Following a missed deadline to release unredacted files linked to Jeffrey Epstein, Attorney General Pam Bondi is now facing increasing pressure from Congress. Congressman Thomas Massie, who played a crucial role in passing the Epstein Files Transparency Act, is spearheading efforts to hold Bondi accountable for her inaction.

The Background: Epstein Files Transparency Act

The Epstein Files Transparency Act was designed to ensure the release of documents related to Epstein within a 30-day window, following President Trump’s eventual approval. Although Bondi released a significant number of documents last Friday, many were heavily redacted, prompting concerns that she is not adhering to the law.

Key Provisions of the Act:

• 30-Day Release: Bondi was required to release all relevant files, allowing exceptions for privacy.
• Written Explanations for Redactions: Any withheld information must be justified with a written reasoning.

Recent Developments

On the due date, Bondi’s deputy, Todd Blanche, made hundreds of thousands of documents available but indicated that additional files would be released in the future. This approach has drawn criticism from both Massie and Congressman Ro Khanna, who emphasize that Bondi’s actions contravene the stipulations of their legislation.

Congressional Retaliation: Inherent Contempt Resolution

In light of Bondi’s failure to fully comply, Massie is currently drafting a resolution aimed at clarifying consequences for the Attorney General.

What is Inherent Contempt?

• Definition: Inherent contempt allows Congress to impose penalties on individuals who do not comply with legislative requests.
• Potential Penalties:
  • Detention by the House or Senate Sergeant-at-Arms
  • Financial fines for non-compliance

Massie has stated, “There are several ways to get at this,” and highlighted the urgency of the situation during a joint interview with Khanna on Face the Nation. He underscored that this approach doesn’t require going through traditional court channels.

Historic Context

The inherent contempt process has not been exercised since 1934, making this an unusual approach in contemporary governance.

Bipartisan Coalition Building

Both Massie and Khanna are focused on establishing a bipartisan coalition for the contempt resolution. Khanna confirmed that the proposed resolution would not include detention but would instead impose fines for each day that Bondi fails to release the documents.

Defense from the Justice Department

In defense of Bondi’s actions, Todd Blanche stated on Meet the Press that the Justice Department prioritizes the protection of Epstein’s victims. He argued that the complexity of redaction—especially in safeguarding victims’ identities—complicates the release process.

Alternative Strategies for Compliance

Some lawmakers, like Senator Tim Kaine, are advocating for alternative measures rather than immediate contempt actions. “I think that’s premature,” Kaine said regarding contempt discussions and suggested employing appropriations tools to ensure compliance.

Other Legislative Examples

Recent bipartisan strategies have effectively forced official compliance, as seen in the recent defense authorization bill that compels Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to release specific videos, with budget cuts as potential consequences.

Conclusion

The situation continues to evolve as Congress seeks to ensure transparency and accountability in the ongoing dialogue surrounding the Epstein case. The pressure on Attorney General Pam Bondi is mounting, and her response will likely impact the trajectory of congressional relations and the handling of sensitive information related to Epstein’s victims.

For more information on the Epstein Files Transparency Act and its implications, visit Congress.gov.