In a significant escalation of a long-running transparency battle, two prominent U.S. congressmen from opposing parties are now considering impeachment proceedings against Attorney General Pam Bondi. The move comes in response to what they deem an inadequate release of documents related to the late accused sex trafficker, Jeffrey Epstein.
Bipartisan Frustration Over Redacted Documents
Democratic Representative Ro Khanna of California revealed on Friday, December 19, that he and Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky are actively drafting articles of impeachment and inherent contempt. This rare congressional power allows for the arrest or imprisonment of individuals who defy legal demands. The lawmakers' frustration stems from the Justice Department's release of a heavily redacted fraction of the remaining Epstein files, a move they argue violates the spirit of a recently passed law.
Khanna and Massie, who both sit on the House Oversight Committee, co-sponsored the bipartisan Epstein Files Transparency Act. The legislation compelled the Justice Department to release any remaining documents within 30 days. While the DOJ appeared to meet the deadline, the release was criticized for its extensive redactions and limited scope.
A Political and Legal Firestorm
During appearances on CNN's "The Source" and "Anderson Cooper 360," Khanna outlined the political peril for Bondi, noting significant anger from MAGA-aligned influencers on social media. He emphasized that the issue transcends partisan lines, stating the problem is not whether 212 Democrats would support impeachment, but the broader loss of trust.
The file release was overseen by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, who Khanna suggested could also face future charges for obstruction of justice. In a separate appearance on Fox News, Blanche indicated that several hundred thousand more documents would be released over the following weeks, but this did little to assuage critics.
The Epstein case has been a signature and contentious issue for the Justice Department. Bondi had vowed in February to release the files, but reportedly informed former President Donald Trump in July that his name was prominently featured within them. Trump subsequently denounced the case as a Democratic "hoax."
Focus on the Survivors
Khanna stressed that his primary goal is not impeachment but full transparency for the sake of Epstein's victims. "The last word... is going to be the survivors," he warned during his CNN interview. "Americans don't trust politicians that much. They trust those women, and they are going to be back on the hill. And the country will hear from them."
He stated he would be satisfied if the Justice Department complied with "the spirit of the law," but firmly declared that the December 19 release fell far short of that standard. The unfolding situation sets the stage for a potential constitutional clash between Congress and the Justice Department in the new year, keeping the unresolved questions surrounding the Epstein case firmly in the national spotlight.
