Lawmakers' Push for Transparency on Epstein Files Shot Down by Justice Department
The Justice Department has told a judge that it lacks the authority to appoint a neutral expert to oversee the public release of documents in the sex trafficking probe of financier Jeffrey Epstein and British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell. The move comes as lawmakers are urging the department to speed up the release of millions of documents, many of which were redacted to protect the identities of abuse victims.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton told Judge Paul A. Engelmayer that Congress does not have standing with the court to seek the appointment of a special master and independent monitor. The lawmakers, who are cosponsors of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, claim they have "urgent and grave concerns" about the slow release of documents.
In their letter, U.S. Reps Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie alleged that criminal violations had taken place in the release process, which was slowed by redactions required to protect abuse victims. They also claimed that the Justice Department's release of only 12,000 documents out of more than 2 million being reviewed was a "flagrant violation" of the law.
The lawmakers are seeking an independent monitor to ensure all documents and electronically stored information are made public immediately. They recommended that such a court-appointed monitor be given authority to prepare reports about the true nature and extent of the document production, as well as whether improper redactions or conduct have taken place.
However, Clayton argued that Khanna and Massie do not have standing with the court that would allow them to seek extraordinary relief like the appointment of a special master and independent monitor. The Justice Department expects to update the court on its progress in releasing documents "again shortly."
The Justice Department has told a judge that it lacks the authority to appoint a neutral expert to oversee the public release of documents in the sex trafficking probe of financier Jeffrey Epstein and British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell. The move comes as lawmakers are urging the department to speed up the release of millions of documents, many of which were redacted to protect the identities of abuse victims.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton told Judge Paul A. Engelmayer that Congress does not have standing with the court to seek the appointment of a special master and independent monitor. The lawmakers, who are cosponsors of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, claim they have "urgent and grave concerns" about the slow release of documents.
In their letter, U.S. Reps Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie alleged that criminal violations had taken place in the release process, which was slowed by redactions required to protect abuse victims. They also claimed that the Justice Department's release of only 12,000 documents out of more than 2 million being reviewed was a "flagrant violation" of the law.
The lawmakers are seeking an independent monitor to ensure all documents and electronically stored information are made public immediately. They recommended that such a court-appointed monitor be given authority to prepare reports about the true nature and extent of the document production, as well as whether improper redactions or conduct have taken place.
However, Clayton argued that Khanna and Massie do not have standing with the court that would allow them to seek extraordinary relief like the appointment of a special master and independent monitor. The Justice Department expects to update the court on its progress in releasing documents "again shortly."
about this situation. It's all about who's got power, you know? The lawmakers are trying to push for transparency, but they're hitting a roadblock with the Justice Department. And it's not just that - it's about the victims. I mean, we're talking about people who've been hurt by some of the most powerful folks in the world, and now they're being kept in the dark because of redactions. It's like, what even is the point? 
So, let's keep pushing for transparency and accountability, and maybe one day we'll see some real progress.
. Lawmakers think they have a leg to stand on but I'm guessing Clayton is just messing with them 
. What's gonna happen when it comes down to it? Nothing, probably...
. Lawmakers are right to be salty about this – who wants to know what really went down behind closed doors at Epstein's place? 
And it's not just the redactions, but the whole release process being slowed down like a snail 
.
It feels like a whole lot of bureaucratic red tape 
.
. We need answers, people! 
come on, DOJ... can't you guys just do the right thing already? 
slow release, redactions, victims' identities protected... what's the hold up? 
And now, lawmakers are stepping in and saying we need an independent monitor to keep things transparent. Like, make sense, right? 
.
! I'm seriously worried about how the Justice Dept is handling the Epstein files. They're basically hiding some major info from us about what went down with those victims. It's not fair that they can just redact documents to protect identities without anyone holding them accountable. The lawmakers are right to be pushing for transparency, and it's not cool that the Justice Dept is trying to brush this off.
It's so frustrating when people in power try to silence us by hiding info. We deserve to know what's really going on, especially when it comes to something as serious as sex trafficking.
!
. I get that they don't want to compromise abuse victim's identities, but 12k docs is still way too many redactions if you ask me 
.