Senators Seek Review of Epstein Files Handling

A bipartisan group of U.S. senators formally requested on Wednesday that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) review the Justice Department's handling of files related to Jeffrey Epstein. This action follows concerns that the department has not fully complied with a law, enacted in November, mandating the public release of these records with specific restrictions.

Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico), and Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) submitted the request to the GAO, an independent legislative branch agency. Their letter cited the department's alleged failure to follow the law, respond to Congress, and protect victims. Specific concerns include the redaction of victims' names in some instances while heavily redacting information identifying powerful figures.

The Justice Department has released over three million pages of documents, with Attorney General Pam Bondi defending the department's compliance. However, lawmakers, including those who authored the original legislation, have questioned the thoroughness of the release and the redaction process. This GAO request is the latest in ongoing congressional scrutiny, which has included a subpoena for Attorney General Bondi to appear for a deposition.