1. United States
2. Iowa
3. Letter

I am a constituent writing with serious concern about actions by the U.S. Department of Justice that appear to endanger the integrity of public records and congressional disclosure requirements. On January 31, 2026, DOJ published materials within the Epstein Files database, including Dataset 10 and files identified as EFTA01660679.pdf and EFTA01660683. These items were publicly accessible and indexed on the DOJ site. Later on January 31, 2026, those same files became inaccessible or removed after publication, without notice, explanation, or documented legal basis, despite having already been released. Also on January 31, 2026, the DOJ database continued to index and reference the removed items as if they remained available, creating a false public record and preventing lawful access to materials that were previously disclosed and are required to remain accessible under federal disclosure and records-retention obligations. These actions raise serious due-process and transparency concerns. The removal of previously released federal records—while maintaining public index entries—undermines FOIA compliance, records-retention law, and Congress’s constitutional oversight role. When the executive branch alters or suppresses already-published materials without explanation, it compromises public trust and the rule of law. I am asking you to publicly state on the record that the post-publication removal of DOJ Epstein Files materials is unacceptable. I also ask you to initiate or sign a formal congressional oversight inquiry demanding written answers from DOJ addressing: who ordered the removal; the legal authority cited; whether any external requests influenced the action; and when full public access will be restored. As follow-up actions, I ask that your office request a document-preservation directive covering all Epstein Files materials and seek a formal briefing from DOJ on compliance with FOIA and records-retention requirements related to this database. Further suppression or alteration of already-released federal records is foreseeable and preventable harm. If Congress fails to act, it will share responsibility for the erosion of transparency and accountability. I expect your office to take these steps within the next 30 days and to publicly report your actions to constituents.