DOJ Argues Lawmakers Lack Authority to Compel Epstein File Release

NEW YORK, NY — Attorney General Pam Bondi is pushing back against efforts by lawmakers to appoint an independent monitor to oversee the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files. In a letter filed with a New York federal court on Friday, Bondi argued that the judiciary doesn’t have the legal authority to intervene in how the Department of Justice handles the records. The dispute centers on the Epstein Transparency Act, a law designed to bring the details of the late sex offender’s operation to the public. While the law required the full files to be released nearly a month ago, the Department of Justice has yet to provide the materials. This delay prompted the bill’s sponsors, Representatives Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie, to ask a federal judge to appoint a special master. They want an outside party to review the files and ensure the government is following the law, regardless of internal DOJ preferences. Bondi’s response was blunt. She told the court that Khanna and Massie don’t have the legal standing to interfere because they weren’t part of the original case. It’s a technical argument that suggests the lawmakers are essentially outsiders in this specific courtroom. Beyond the issue of standing, the Attorney General pointed out what she considers a significant gap in the legislation itself. According to the letter submitted to the court, the Epstein Transparency Act doesn’t include an enforcement mechanism. This means that while the law mandates a release date, it doesn't give individuals or even the authors of the bill the right to sue or seek a court-ordered monitor if the deadline is missed. Bondi wrote that the court is without authority to issue the relief the representatives are seeking. From her perspective, a judge can’t simply create a consequence like a special master when the statute didn’t provide for one. The Department of Justice has not provided a new timeline for when the public can expect the full production of the records. The federal judge in Manhattan has not yet issued a ruling on whether the request for a special master will be granted or dismissed based on the DOJ’s objections. ------------------------------ At Cleveland 13 News, we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date, and reliable reporting. If you spot an error, omission, or have information that may need updating, please email us at <a href="mailto:tips@cleveland13news.com">tips@cleveland13news.com</a>. As a community-driven news network, we appreciate the help of our readers in ensuring the integrity of our reporting.