Two Democratic senators, Jeff Merkley of Oregon and Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico, have announced their intention to block any pending civilian nominations in the Senate. This action is a response to what they characterize as the Trump administration's failure to deliver a briefing to lawmakers regarding the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein.

Merkley and Luján, who co-sponsored the Epstein Files Transparency Act, stated that there can be no business as usual until justice is served for the victims of Epstein's crimes. Earlier in December, a bipartisan group of lawmakers, including the two senators, urged Pam Bondi, the attorney general, to provide an update on the Department of Justice's compliance with the act, which mandates the release of documents related to Epstein by December 19.

The lawmakers expressed a particular interest in understanding any new evidence or procedural challenges that might hinder the department's ability to meet this deadline. However, the announcement on Tuesday indicated that Bondi did not provide the requested briefing. The White House and the Department of Justice did not respond to requests for comment.

Merkley and Luján criticized the Trump administration's lack of transparency regarding the release of the Epstein files, suggesting it indicates a potential disregard for the law that was passed with overwhelming support in Congress. They asserted that without full transparency and accountability, the principle of 'equal justice under the law' cannot be upheld. They will continue to block Senate nominations until the administration provides the requested briefing, which has been sought by lawmakers from both parties.

The Epstein Files Transparency Act, passed by Congress in mid-November, requires the Department of Justice to release all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials related to Epstein, who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal charges of sex trafficking minors.