On December 21, 2025, Representatives Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) expressed their commitment to holding Justice Department officials accountable for failing to release all eligible documents related to Jeffrey Epstein by the December 19 deadline. They are considering potential actions, including the possibility of holding Attorney General Pam Bondi in contempt.

Massie stated during an appearance on CBS's "Face the Nation" that pursuing inherent contempt against Bondi could expedite justice for the victims. Conversely, Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) described calls for impeachment of Justice Department officials as "premature," suggesting that Congress has other mechanisms to compel the Trump administration to release information. Kaine referenced provisions in appropriations bills that could enforce compliance, specifically mentioning a potential limitation on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's travel budget if the Defense Department does not release video footage related to drug trafficking operations in the Caribbean.

Last month, Khanna and Massie led efforts to pass the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which mandated the release of all unclassified files related to Epstein. Although the Justice Department released thousands of documents, the response from both parties in Congress was one of widespread condemnation due to the incomplete nature of the release. Khanna highlighted the importance of these documents for survivors, noting that one survivor's name was released inadvertently while the FBI file concerning her abusers remains undisclosed. He emphasized that there are numerous victims involved, stating, "There are rich and powerful people involved, and we all know this. There are 1,200 victims."

Khanna indicated that discussions about impeachment and inherent contempt for Justice Department officials are ongoing, emphasizing that any obstruction of justice could lead to prosecution in the current or future administrations. He noted that Congress only requires a majority in the House to pursue inherent contempt against Bondi and is working to build a bipartisan coalition to impose fines for non-compliance.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, appearing on "Meet the Press," stated that the complete files would eventually be released, as the department is engaged in a thorough process to redact sensitive information related to Epstein's victims. He dismissed the threats of impeachment or contempt as lacking seriousness, asserting that the department is complying with the Transparency Act.

Massie clarified that while he has not called for impeachment, the Epstein Files Transparency Act includes provisions that could allow future administrations to prosecute current Justice Department officials for non-compliance with the law's deadlines. Kaine also addressed the release of undated photos of former President Bill Clinton included in the Epstein files, suggesting that Clinton should clarify any questions surrounding the images. A spokesperson for Clinton stated that the release of the files was not intended to protect him but rather to shield the Justice Department from scrutiny regarding their handling of the situation. Blanche confirmed that the Justice Department does not currently plan to charge anyone based on the released files, although they continue to gather new information.