Lawmakers Threaten 'Inherent Contempt' Charges Over Incomplete Epstein File Release In a rare show of bipartisan unity, Representatives Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Thomas Massie (R-KY) have called for the House to hold Attorney General Pam Bondi in "inherent contempt" over the Department of Justice's (DOJ) release of an incomplete and heavily redacted set of files related to the Jeffrey Epstein case. The two lawmakers, appearing together on CBS News's "Face the Nation" on Sunday, condemned the DOJ's handling of the Epstein files, which were partially released to the public on Friday. Khanna and Massie argued that the redactions and omissions in the documents released so far have undermined efforts to fully understand the scope of Epstein's alleged crimes and his connections to powerful individuals. "This is a cover-up," Khanna said bluntly. "The American people deserve to know the full truth about the Epstein case, and what the Justice Department is doing is not acceptable." Massie echoed Khanna's sentiments, stating that the House should consider using its "inherent contempt" power to compel Bondi and the DOJ to provide a more comprehensive and transparent release of the Epstein files. "The American people have a right to know what happened, who was involved, and how this was allowed to go on for so long," Massie said. "By releasing these files in such a heavily redacted form, the DOJ is denying the public that right." The Epstein Case: A Tangled Web of Allegations and Unanswered Questions The Jeffrey Epstein case has captivated the public's attention since the wealthy financier's arrest in July 2019 on charges of sex trafficking minors. Epstein's death in custody just over a month later, ruled a suicide, only deepened the mystery and fueled widespread speculation about the extent of his alleged criminal network and the involvement of other high-profile individuals. Epstein, a registered sex offender, had a long history of allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation, dating back to the early 2000s. In 2008, he managed to avoid federal prosecution on these charges through a controversial plea deal brokered by then-U.S. Attorney Alexander Acosta, who later served as Labor Secretary under the Trump administration. The 2019 charges brought against Epstein painted a disturbing picture of a sprawling sex trafficking operation, in which the financier allegedly exploited and abused dozens of young girls, some as young as 14 years old. The investigation also raised questions about Epstein's connections to wealthy and powerful figures, including politicians, business leaders, and even royalty. The partial release of Epstein-related files on Friday was seen as a step towards greater transparency, but Khanna and Massie argue that the redactions have obscured key details that could shed light on the full scope of the alleged crimes and the individuals who may have been involved. The Implications of a Partial File Release By threatening to invoke the House's "inherent contempt" power, Khanna and Massie are signaling their determination to force the DOJ to be more forthcoming with the Epstein-related documents. This rarely-used congressional authority allows the legislative branch to detain and punish individuals who defy its subpoenas or otherwise obstruct its investigations. The lawmakers' concerns about the redacted files are understandable, given the public's intense interest in the Epstein case and the need for accountability. The partial release has done little to quell the widespread speculation and distrust surrounding the case, and many believe that a more complete and transparent disclosure of the files is essential for the American people to fully understand what transpired. "This is not just about Jeffrey Epstein," Khanna argued. "It's about the broader issue of how the wealthy and well-connected can seemingly operate above the law. The public deserves to know the truth, and the House is prepared to use every tool at its disposal to get that truth." Massie echoed this sentiment, stating that the Epstein case has become a test of the government's commitment to transparency and the rule of law. "If the DOJ continues to withhold information and obfuscate the facts, it will only deepen the public's mistrust in our institutions," Massie said. "We have a responsibility to the American people to get to the bottom of this, and we're not going to back down until we get the full truth." The Ongoing Struggle for Accountability The Epstein case has already exposed deep flaws in the criminal justice system's handling of high-profile, well-connected individuals. The 2008 plea deal that allowed Epstein to avoid federal prosecution, as well as the circumstances surrounding his death in custody, have fueled widespread outrage and a demand for greater accountability. The partial release of the Epstein files, while a step in the right direction, has done little to address these concerns. Khanna and Massie's threat of "inherent contempt" charges against Bondi represents an escalation in the ongoing battle to shed light on the full extent of Epstein's alleged crimes and the potential involvement of others. As the public continues to grapple with the disturbing implications of the Epstein case, the calls for transparency and accountability are likely to grow louder. The lawmakers' bipartisan stance on this issue underscores the widespread recognition that the American people deserve a full and unobstructed accounting of the facts, no matter how powerful or well-connected the individuals involved may be. Ultimately, the fate of the Epstein files and the pursuit of justice in this case will be a test of the strength of the nation's democratic institutions and the willingness of its leaders to uphold the principles of transparency and the rule of law. The stakes are high, and the American people will be watching closely to see if their representatives are up to the challenge.