US Lawmaker Demands Public Hearings Over Delayed Epstein Files Release

A Democratic member of the US House Judiciary Committee, Eric Swalwell, has called for public hearings to hold the Justice Department accountable for delays in releasing documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Speaking on the MS NOW news channel, Swalwell emphasized that Congress unanimously voted to release these documents, which are crucial for supporting victims and identifying those who enabled Epstein. He criticized the Justice Department for failing to act promptly and outlined potential measures, including restricting funding or compelling officials to testify under congressional authority. Swalwell stressed that public hearings would be the most effective way to demand transparency and accountability. The Justice Department has released thousands of Epstein-related documents under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, signed by former President Donald Trump, but many pages remain heavily redacted, sparking criticism from Democrats who argue the lack of transparency violates the intent of the Act.