Jeffries: DOJ release of Epstein files ‘inadequate’ and ‘falls short of what the law requires’
7:10House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries addresses reporters during a press conference on Capitol Hill, Dec. 12, 2025, in Washington, D.C.Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., on Sunday criticized the limited disclosure of documents concerning convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein’s misconduct following the Justice Department’s release of a collection of redacted documents on Friday.
"Congress has taken decisive action, with bipartisan majorities in both the House and Senate, and a bill enacted by the president. However, it’s evident that this initial release of documents is insufficient. It does not meet the requirements outlined by law," Jeffries stated during an interview with ABC News’ "This Week" co-anchor Jonathan Karl.
Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., mentioned that he and Rep. Thomas Massie — his Republican counterpart in pursuing the Epstein Files Transparency Act — are contemplating the possibility of filing impeachment articles against Attorney General Pam Bondi due to the apparent noncompliance with the law.
When asked if that option was still being considered, Jeffries did not provide a direct reply.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries addresses reporters during a press conference on Capitol Hill, Dec. 12, 2025, in Washington, D.C.Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
"I believe there must be a thorough and comprehensive explanation, followed by a complete investigation as to why the document production has not met what the law clearly mandates," Jeffries remarked. "Thus, the next phase in this process will involve providing a written justification to clarify the situation to Congress, to the survivors, and most importantly, to the American populace.
Republican Sen. Rand Paul also commented on the partial release of the Epstein documents during "This Week," labeling it "a mistake" and urging the Justice Department to disclose the Epstein files in full. Paul asserted that the partial release will "haunt them for months."
"Any evidence or indication that a complete disclosure has not occurred will continue to burden them for many months. Therefore, my recommendation would be to release all information completely," Paul stated.
Here are additional highlights from Jeffries’ conversation:
On a Quinnipiac poll indicating 18% approval of Congressional Democrats
Karl: What are you doing incorrectly?
Jeffries: Obviously, that’s an outlier poll. The most significant measure of public sentiment is whether you are winning elections or losing them. On that front, Democrats have been victorious in elections since January … These outcomes are clear and unambiguous. They unmistakably indicate that the American people are rejecting Republican extremism and supporting our agenda for affordability.
On the possibility of Congress extending ACA subsidies in 2026
Karl: You have successfully compelled a vote in the House, which is scheduled for January regarding a three-year extension of those Obamacare tax credits. I assume that will pass in January, provided circumstances remain unchanged, but the Republican leader in the Senate has already stated it’s dead on arrival.
Jeffries: Well, the Republican leader in the Senate is not genuinely committed to safeguarding the health care of the American public. Time is of the essence. No more excuses. Republicans have been ignoring this issue for several months. Meanwhile, tens of millions of Americans are on the verge of facing dramatically increased health insurance costs if the Affordable Care Act tax credits are not renewed.
And House Democrats will persist in their efforts to push this extension through Congress on our side. It will garner bipartisan support, which will then compel [Senate Majority Leader] John Thune and Senate Republicans to do what is right for the American people.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com