A bipartisan group of U.S. Senators, led by Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), has called for an audit by the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (OIG) regarding the Department’s compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The Act requires the release of all records and documents related to Jeffrey Epstein.
In a letter addressed to Acting Inspector General Don Berthiaume, the senators stated: “Given the Administration’s historic hostility to releasing the files, politicization of the Epstein case more broadly, and failure to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a neutral assessment of its compliance with the statutory disclosure requirements is essential. As such, we request that the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (‘DOJ OIG’) perform an audit of the Department’s compliance with the statute.”
The letter continued: “Full transparency—as called for bravely and repeatedly by survivors—is essential in identifying members of our society who enabled and participated in Epstein’s crimes. Survivors deserve full disclosure. They also deserve the peace of mind that would be afforded by an independent audit of the Department’s compliance.”
Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Gary Peters (D-MI) also signed onto this request.
The Senate Judiciary Committee plays a central role in overseeing federal judicial matters and law enforcement entities, as well as reviewing legislation related to justice issues. The committee is responsible for legislative oversight on constitutional rights and public safety across the country, conducting hearings from its offices in Washington, D.C., and providing public access to its proceedings through its official website. It includes senators from both major political parties under a chairperson's leadership.
The committee's work influences federal law, civil rights protections, judicial nominations, and agency oversight throughout its longstanding history within Congress. Its authority extends over legal and constitutional matters nationwide.
A PDF copy of the senators’ letter is available online.
