Epstein Files: Congress to See Unredacted Files

Starting Monday, members of Congress will have the opportunity to review unredacted files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Department of Justice has agreed to this measure following a law passed last year, which mandated the release of over 3 million documents.

To access these sensitive files, lawmakers must provide the Justice Department with 24 hours' advance notice. The review will take place on computers within the department itself. Notably, only elected officials will be granted access, excluding their staff, and they will be permitted to take notes but are prohibited from creating electronic copies.

This development underscores the persistent legislative interest in the Epstein case, despite the Justice Department's considerable efforts to comply with transparency requests. The department had faced criticism regarding delays and the handling of personal information within the released files. Lawmakers instrumental in advocating for transparency view this concession as a significant victory, signaling their ability to influence outcomes through persistent legislative action.

Epstein died in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on charges of sexually abusing and trafficking numerous underage girls. The renewed focus on his case continues to prompt global inquiries into individuals associated with the financier, with legislators pushing for accountability regarding those who may have been aware of or facilitated his abuse.