Luján, Merkley, Massie, Khanna, Leger Fernández Introduce the Epstein Files Transparency Act II

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) introduced the Epstein Files Transparency Act II, legislation that gives standing to state attorneys general, the victims of Jeffrey Epstein and his co-conspirators, and members of Congress to challenge the Department of Justice (DOJ) in court for the DOJ’s failure to comply with the disclosure of materials required by Public Law 119-38, the Epstein Files Transparency Act (EFTA). U.S. Representatives Thomas Massie (R-KY), Ro Khanna (D-CA), and Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) are leading the House legislation. Senators Luján and Merkley, and Representatives Massie and Khanna, introduced and passed into law the original Epstein Files Transparency Act to ensure full transparency for the American people, accountability for those who conspired with Epstein, and justice for victims. The Trump administration has failed to fully comply with the law. “Nearly eight months after our Epstein Files Transparency Act became law, the Trump Department of Justice has failed to comply with the law by releasing the Epstein files and delivering justice for survivors,” said Senator Luján . “That is why I am partnering with my colleagues to introduce the Epstein Files Transparency Act II to ensure accountability, transparency, and justice for survivors. Our legislation empowers state attorneys general and victims to challenge this Department of Justice for failing to provide the transparency and accountability that Epstein’s victims deserve.” “At Trump’s bidding, the Department of Justice’s highest-ranking officials continue to break the law, denying justice to Jeffrey Epstein’s victims with an unprecedented cover-up of the abuse of our most vulnerable,” said Senator Merkley . “As long as those in power continue to side with the Epstein Class and shield abusers from accountability for their horrific crimes, we need the Epstein Files Transparency Act II to strengthen the original law we wrote, crack down on the DOJ’s illegal non-compliance, and stand with survivors and those seeking justice. The rich and powerful cannot be allowed to escape justice, and the American public deserves the transparency it is crying out for.” “Since the Epstein Files Transparency Act was signed into law on November 19, 2025, the Department of Justice has flagrantly and consistently ignored EFTA’s disclosure requirements,” said Representative Massie . “The Department of Justice continues to unlawfully withhold over 3 million Epstein files that should be released to the public. In addition, the DOJ is unlawfully maintaining heavy redactions on the files it is releasing. State attorneys general and victims should have the right to sue the Attorney General of the United States to compel compliance with a transparency law President Trump signed.” “Rep. Massie and I introduced our bill to release the Epstein files nearly a year ago. Since then, the DOJ has violated our law, delayed the release of millions of files, botched the redactions, and denied the survivors justice. That’s why I’m joining Rep. Massie and my colleagues to introduce the Epstein Files Transparency Act II that allows state attorneys general and survivors to sue the U.S. Attorney General and demand transparency,” said Representative Khanna . “Todd Blanche and the Department of Justice have refused to release as many as 3 million Epstein files: they are hiding the truth from the American people and creating even more injustice and trauma for survivors,” said Congresswoman Leger Fernández . “When Trump’s administration does not comply with the law, there must be consequences. Attorney General Blanche is not fit to serve, should not be confirmed, and should instead resign. In the meantime, we must pass this bill to put power where it belongs—with survivors. No administration, no Attorney General, and no Department of Justice is above the law.” “Survivors have waited too long for answers, and my office has waited too long for the federal government to turn over the unredacted records we need to complete our criminal investigation,” said Attorney General Raúl Torrez . “This legislation gives state law enforcement the access this investigation requires, and it gives survivors control over their own records. Every day of delay is another day survivors are denied the justice they are owed.” Specifically, the Epstein Files Transparency Act II: Creates a private right of action allowing state attorneys general, district attorneys, other authorized State officials, members of Congress, and victims to challenge and sue the U.S. Attorney General for unlawfully withholding, redacting, delaying, concealing, removing, or failing to publish Epstein-related records. Gives victims the right to obtain full, unredacted records concerning themselves or the harm they suffered, including relevant FBI FD-302 reports. Enforces compliance with the existing law by subjecting DOJ and FBI officials to existing federal criminal penalties for knowingly concealing, destroying, falsifying, withholding, or misrepresenting files. Requires the Department of Justice to provide State and local prosecutors with unredacted records needed for investigations, prosecutions, and judicial proceedings, including secure access to classified materials. Explicitly prohibits the invocation of common law privileges, including deliberative process privileges, to evade disclosure requirements included in the original EFTA. Senator Luján called for an independent audit and report to Congress about the DOJ’s practices in redacting information of the public release of the Epstein Files. Senator Luján also visited the DOJ to view the unredacted Epstein files. The text of the Epstein Files Transparency Act II is available here . ###