What is the Epstein Files Transparency Act and what does it require the DOJ to do?

The Epstein Files Transparency Act is a federal law that requires the Justice Department to release all unclassified documents related to Jeffrey Epstein and provide Congress with a report explaining any redactions and withheld materials, including what was withheld and why.

Why are Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie asking for a special master in this case?

Khanna and Massie argue that the DOJ has violated the Epstein Files Transparency Act by missing the disclosure deadline, releasing only a small fraction of the documents, and failing to provide the required accounting of redactions and withheld records, so they want a court-appointed special master or independent monitor to oversee and enforce full compliance.

How many Epstein-related documents has the DOJ released so far, and how many remain under review?

According to the lawmakers, the DOJ has released about 12,285 Epstein-related documents, while the department has reported that millions more—at least 2 million and possibly over 5 million—documents are still under review for potential disclosure.

What concerns do the lawmakers and survivors have about the DOJ’s handling of the files?

Lawmakers and survivors are concerned that the DOJ’s delays, inconsistent document counts, and lack of required reporting undermine trust in its compliance, further traumatize survivors, and hinder transparency, oversight, and accountability regarding who participated in or covered up Epstein’s crimes.

What kinds of documents are advocates most interested in seeing released from the Epstein files?

Advocates, including Rep. Khanna, say they especially want to see survivors’ statements to the FBI that name other powerful individuals involved in abuse or cover-ups, as well as draft prosecution memos explaining why additional alleged perpetrators and enablers were not charged.

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2M ago

House Lawmakers Ask Judge to Appoint Special Master Over Epstein Files

Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie ask a judge to appoint a special master to force DOJ to release Jeffrey Epstein files required by law.

Overview

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

Reps. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) asked Judge Paul Engelmayer to appoint a special master to oversee release of Epstein-related DOJ files.

They say DOJ violated the Epstein Files Transparency Act, missed the Dec. 19 disclosure deadline, and provided inconsistent production numbers undermining trust in its compliance.

Congressmen noted about 12,285 documents released (under 1% of related files) while DOJ reports millions more documents still under review.

Khanna and Massie request that an independent monitor or special master report to the court on improper redactions, withheld records, and the true extent of document production.

They argue DOJ's delays and lack of required reporting have caused further trauma to survivors and make oversight, judicial review, and accountability materially more difficult.

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US congressmen ask judge to appoint official to force release of all Epstein files

The Guardian•2M ago

Massie, Khanna Demand Judge Who Oversaw Ghislaine Maxwell’s Trial Step Into DOJ Redaction and Disclosure Process for Epstein Files

New York Sun•2M ago

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House Reps Seek Special Master To Oversee Epstein Files Release Because "DOJ Simply Cannot Be Trusted"

Joe.My.God.•2M ago

FAQ

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: The Epstein Files Transparency Act is a federal law that requires the Justice Department to release all unclassified documents related to Jeffrey Epstein and provide Congress with a report explaining any redactions and withheld materials, including what was withheld and why.
Sources:
MS Now
: Khanna and Massie argue that the DOJ has violated the Epstein Files Transparency Act by missing the disclosure deadline, releasing only a small fraction of the documents, and failing to provide the required accounting of redactions and withheld records, so they want a court-appointed special master or independent monitor to oversee and enforce full compliance.
Sources:
Axios
: According to the lawmakers, the DOJ has released about 12,285 Epstein-related documents, while the department has reported that millions more—at least 2 million and possibly over 5 million—documents are still under review for potential disclosure.
Sources:
Axios
: Lawmakers and survivors are concerned that the DOJ’s delays, inconsistent document counts, and lack of required reporting undermine trust in its compliance, further traumatize survivors, and hinder transparency, oversight, and accountability regarding who participated in or covered up Epstein’s crimes.
Sources:
MS Now
: Advocates, including Rep. Khanna, say they especially want to see survivors’ statements to the FBI that name other powerful individuals involved in abuse or cover-ups, as well as draft prosecution memos explaining why additional alleged perpetrators and enablers were not charged.
Sources:
Michigan Public (NPR)

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