Republican senators are issuing stern warnings to Attorney General Pam Bondi against slow-walking the release of Jeffrey Epstein files after Congress overwhelmingly demanded immediate transparency with near-unanimous votes.
Story Overview
- Congress passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act with a 427-1 House vote and unanimous Senate consent.
- GOP senators warn against using “ongoing investigations” as an excuse to withhold documents.
- Bondi reversed course to reopen Epstein investigations targeting prominent Democrats.
- Justice Department must release files within 30 days while protecting victims.
Congressional Mandate Demands Immediate Action
The House voted 427-1 and the Senate unanimously passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act on Tuesday, creating an overwhelming mandate for transparency. Sen. Lisa Murkowski warned that Americans “will feel like they’ve been duped” if the Justice Department uses active investigations to block releases.
The unprecedented bipartisan support demonstrates public demand for accountability regarding Epstein’s sex-trafficking network and high-profile associates.
I hate to say I was right, but I warned they would do this. Bondi has already abused the state secrets privilege twice. “National Security” Blocks Epstein Files Release” https://t.co/IfgT2hTCyT
— Kevin Shipp (@Kevin_Shipp) November 18, 2025
Republican Senators Sound Alarm on Potential Delays
Sen. Thom Tillis warned that blanket document holds would trigger “angry backlash” from Americans seeking justice. Sen. John Kennedy emphasized Congress has spoken and expects full document release, hoping for the first batch after Thanksgiving.
These warnings come as speculation grows that the Justice Department might cite ongoing investigations to justify withholding critical evidence, including potential footage from Epstein’s Manhattan mansion.
Justice Department’s Suspicious Timing Raises Questions
Bondi announced reopening Epstein investigations on Friday, hours after Trump posted on Truth Social demanding probes into Bill Clinton, Larry Summers, and JPMorgan Chase. The timing appears convenient for creating justification to withhold documents.
Democrats note Bondi previously claimed Epstein’s client list was “sitting on my desk” in February, yet the FBI later released a memo asserting no incriminating client list existed.
Trump Administration Faces Transparency Test
Sen. Eric Schmitt demanded “all credible information that can be released should be released,” while Bondi pledged maximum transparency within legal bounds. The Justice Department has already released 33,000 Epstein-related documents to Congress but faces pressure to provide meaningful disclosure.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed confidence in protecting victims while fulfilling Congress’s clear intent to expose the truth about Epstein’s criminal network.
