Lawmakers are demanding urgent court action after the Department of Justice (DOJ) failed to meet a legal deadline to release records tied to Jeffrey Epstein. Federal filings show that less than 1% of the expected material has been made public.
Under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, the DOJ was required to release all unclassified records within 30 days of the law being signed on November 19, 2025. That deadline passed on December 19, with no full disclosure.
As of January 13, 2026, the DOJ has released about 12,285 documents, totaling roughly 125,575 pages. Lawmakers say this is a fraction of the estimated 2.1 to 5.2 million pages under review.
In a bipartisan move, Representatives Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Ro Khanna (D-CA) have asked a federal judge to appoint a Special Master. They argue an independent official is needed to oversee the release and ensure compliance with the law.
The lawmakers also warned of possible contempt proceedings against Attorney General Pam Bondi. They say Congress may use its rarely invoked inherent contempt power if delays continue.
Criticism has spread across party lines. Progressive lawmakers and Senate leaders have accused the DOJ of protecting powerful figures instead of prioritizing transparency and accountability.
The controversy intensified on January 13, as Bill and Hillary Clinton were ordered to appear for closed-door depositions before the House Oversight Committee. Republicans warned that failure to comply could lead to contempt charges.
The DOJ has defended the pace of the release, saying it must protect victim identities. However, lawmakers say the ongoing delay violates the law and undermines public trust.
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