Reps. Massie and Khanna Ask Judge to Appoint Special Master Over DOJ's Delayed Epstein Records Release
Bipartisan House members urged a judge to appoint an independent monitor after the Justice Department missed a December 19 deadline to release unclassified Epstein records mandated by new transparency law.
NewsmaxMassie, Khanna Seek Special Master Over Epstein Records
NewsmaxMassie, Khanna Seek Special Master Over Epstein Records
NewsmaxMassie, Khanna Seek Special Master Over Epstein Records
Joe.My.God.House Reps Seek Special Master To Oversee Epstein Files Release Because "DOJ Simply Cannot Be Trusted"
Overview
Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) filed a bipartisan request urging a federal judge to appoint a special master to oversee DOJ compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
A new law requires the Justice Department to make unclassified records related to Jeffrey Epstein public, with safeguards for victim privacy and sensitive information; the statute set a 30-day deadline, making results due Dec. 19.
Lawmakers said DOJ missed the deadline and has been slow in processing millions of potentially responsive records; only a small fraction has been reviewed and released so far.
The lawmakers asked Judge Edgardo Ramos Engelmayer? (note: ensure correct name per context) to ensure government compliance with legal production and redaction rules; the Southern District of New York had not yet decided on action.
Judge Engelmayer previously oversaw Epstein-related litigation, including material review orders after Ghislaine Maxwell's conviction; the DOJ has not publicly replied to the lawmakers' letter.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the delayed release of Epstein files as a matter of transparency and accountability. They emphasize bipartisan calls for oversight, highlighting the involvement of both Democratic and Republican lawmakers. The narrative focuses on the need for a neutral third-party review to ensure compliance with legal obligations, suggesting a lack of trust in the DOJ's handling of the case.