1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

Congress passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act because survivors, the public, and the rule of law demanded the files’ release. Now the DOJ’s inspector general is auditing whether DOJ complied with that law—a flashing red warning to Congress. DOJ missed the statutory deadline to release the Epstein files. When material was finally released, it was not ALL the files, the names of men(?) were still redacted, but survivors’ sensitive personal information was exposed, failing once again to protect them! Former Attorney General Pam Bondi was subpoenaed to testify about DOJ’s handling of these files. But the DOJ argued that the subpoena no longer applies because she is no longer Attorney General. Her testimony is not optional simply because Donald Trump removed her from office. Congressional subpoenas are not optional depending on whom the testimony might embarrass. The House Oversight Committee should enforce Bondi’s subpoena, require her testimony, and pursue contempt proceedings if she continues to refuse. Congress should also require full DOJ cooperation with the inspector general audit and, where necessary, seek judicial review of withheld documents so a judge can determine whether redactions, privilege claims, or withholding decisions are lawful. This is about whether DOJ obeyed a statute passed by Congress. And it is about whether a president can shield his administration from oversight by moving officials around like pieces on a board. The Epstein Files Transparency Act must mean what Congress said it meant. Enforce the subpoena. Protect survivors. Support the inspector general’s audit. Challenge improper withholding in court. And make clear that no one, including a former Attorney General, is above lawful congressional oversight.