Bipartisan Lawmakers Introduce Strengthened Epstein Files Transparency Bill

A cross-party group of senators and representatives has unveiled a revised Epstein Files Transparency Act that would give survivors and state prosecutors the ability to sue the Justice Department for non-compliance.

Lawmakers from both parties announced on July 15 a revamped version of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, aiming to address shortcomings of the 2022 law that mandated the Justice Department to disclose investigative files but offered limited recourse for non-compliance. The proposed Epstein Files Transparency Act II would grant standing to state attorneys general, local prosecutors, survivors and congressional members to sue the department if it withholds unredacted records, including FBI interview transcripts and classified material needed for prosecutions.

It also adds criminal penalties for officials who knowingly conceal or destroy files. Legal experts say the bill could empower state officials to conduct independent investigations, yet acknowledge that passing the measure faces significant legislative obstacles and that the Justice Department might still stall. Supporters such as Thomas Massie, Ro Khanna, Teresa Leger Fernández, Jeff Merkley and Ben Ray Luján stress the need for accountability, while critics point out that existing FOIA avenues already exist. The Justice Department has not commented, and the White House maintains that President Trump has fulfilled his commitments regarding the Epstein files.