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

Massie, speaking on CBS's "Face the Nation," suggested that pursuing inherent contempt against Bondi could expedite justice for the victims. In contrast, Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) characterized calls for impeachment of Justice Department officials as "premature," advocating for alternative mechanisms to compel the Trump administration to release necessary information.

Kaine highlighted provisions in appropriations bills that could enforce compliance, mentioning a potential restriction on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's travel budget if the Defense Department fails to 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 noted that discussions regarding impeachment and inherent contempt for Justice Department officials are ongoing, stressing that any obstruction of justice could lead to prosecution in current or future administrations. He pointed out 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, asserting that the department is engaged in a thorough process to redact sensitive information related to Epstein's victims. He dismissed threats of impeachment or contempt as lacking seriousness, claiming 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. Additionally, Kaine 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.