A bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced new legislation to strengthen the Epstein Files Transparency Act, aiming to force the Department of Justice to fully comply with the release of investigative files related to Jeffrey Epstein. The proposed Epstein Files Transparency Act II (EFTA II) would grant survivors, state attorneys general, and Congress members the legal standing to sue the DOJ for noncompliance, addressing what critics call the original law's lack of enforcement.
New Bill Aims to Overcome DOJ Obstruction
The original Epstein Files Transparency Act, signed into law by President Donald Trump on November 19, 2025, mandated the release of all investigative files within 30 days. However, survivors and their advocates have repeatedly faced missed deadlines and incomplete disclosures. They also allege that the DOJ has released survivors' personal information while withholding the names of men involved in Epstein's sexual abuse.
In response, on July 15, 2026, lawmakers from both parties announced the introduction of EFTA II. The bill addresses the original act's shortfalls by adding enforcement mechanisms. Under EFTA II, state attorneys general, local district attorneys, Epstein survivors, and Congress members could take the DOJ to court if it fails to release files as required. Survivors would also gain access to "full, unredacted records concerning themselves or the harm they suffered," including FBI interview transcripts.
Legal Experts Weigh In on the Bill's Potential
Legal veterans see promise in the new bill but acknowledge practical hurdles. Oleg Nekritin, an attorney with the Law Offices of Robert J De Groot, called the original EFTA "pretty robust" but noted that critics complained about redactions and missing names. EFTA II, he explained, grants state attorneys general access to unredacted records and allows them to file actions if the DOJ withholds them.
"If passed, it will be a gamechanger for individuals who want to investigate further or learn more about Epstein or individuals associated with them," Nekritin said. Carl Tobias, Williams chair in law at the University of Richmond School of Law, raised the question of whether the bill can pass, noting the need for 60 Senate votes and the uncertainty of a presidential signature.
Supporters and Critics Speak Out
Supporters include Kentucky Republican Thomas Massie, California Democrat Ro Khanna, New Mexico Democrat Teresa Leger Fernández, Oregon Democrat Jeff Merkley, and New Mexico Democrat Ben Ray Luján. Merkley emphasized that EFTA II "strengthens the enforcement of the original law, which is only necessary because Trump's Department of Justice refuses to comply with it." Luján echoed this, saying, "We must empower state attorneys general and victims to challenge this Department of Justice for failing to provide the transparency and accountability that Epstein's victims deserve."
Roy Gutterman, director of the Tully Center for Free Speech at Syracuse University, said the bill "has more teeth" but warned that if the DOJ drags its feet, another law might not dramatically change delays. Radar Online, which has pursued a public records lawsuit, called the effort "a step in the right direction" but noted that the Freedom of Information Act already provides a private right of action.
The White House defended the administration's handling, with spokesperson Abigail Jackson stating that President Trump has "done more for Epstein's victims than anyone before him." The DOJ did not respond to requests for comment.
