Key Takeaways

• Rep. Ro Khanna and Rep. Thomas Massie will push to hold Pam Bondi in inherent contempt of Congress.
• They say the Justice Department failed to release all Jeffrey Epstein files by law.
• Inherent contempt lets Congress fine or detain an official to force action.
• Lawmakers hope for bipartisan support to hold Bondi accountable.
• Victims and the public want full disclosure of names linked to Epstein.

Rep. Ro Khanna says he and Rep. Thomas Massie plan to use inherent contempt against Attorney General Pam Bondi. They claim the Justice Department broke the law by not releasing all files on Jeffrey Epstein. Instead of waiting, they will act directly through Congress.

What is inherent contempt in Congress?

Inherent contempt is one of Congress’s oldest tools. It lets lawmakers enforce their orders without going through the Justice Department. When Congress holds someone in inherent contempt, it can fine or even detain that person. In effect, Congress takes enforcement into its own hands.

However, inherent contempt is rarely used. It requires a simple House vote to start. Then, the Sergeant at Arms can arrest the official who defies Congress. The official can stay in custody until they comply with the order.

Why did Khanna and Massie push inherent contempt?

Khanna and Massie say Attorney General Bondi failed to meet the Epstein Files Transparency Act deadline of December 19. They wanted the DOJ to turn over every document with only limited redactions. Instead, the DOJ released thousands of pages but withheld some files. It also redacted names and details that critics say are unlawful.

Khanna calls this omission a “slap in the face” to survivors. He met with victims who said their names were released by accident. Yet the FBI files on people who assaulted them at their request remain hidden. Therefore, Khanna argues that Bondi herself must be held responsible.

Moreover, they plan to fine Bondi for each day she delays. Khanna said on “Face the Nation” that they only need the House to act. He believes many Republicans and Democrats will join them. Massie, known for opposing excessive government power, agreed to the move. Together, they aim for true bipartisan pressure.

What could happen next with inherent contempt?

First, the House would vote to hold Bondi in inherent contempt. If the motion passes, Congress would direct the Sergeant at Arms to arrest her. Bondi could face daily fines until the files are released. She could also be held in a congressional detention cell.

Next, a congressional committee would review the DOJ’s redactions. It would decide if they were lawful or not. If the committee finds the redactions unjustified, it can demand full disclosure. At that point, Bondi would face even more pressure to comply.

If Bondi still resists, Congress might push fines higher. It could also refer the case to federal court. However, inherent contempt bypasses courts by design. Congress would hold the power until the files are released in full.

Why survivors and the public demand answers

There are over 1,200 identified victims in the Epstein case. They include young girls who suffer lasting trauma. Some say powerful figures played a role or covered up the abuse. They want to know every name tied to Epstein’s activities.

Survivors feel betrayed by delays and secrecy. They hope Congress will stand up for them. They demand transparency to prevent future abuse. In their view, redactions hide the full scope of wrongdoing. They say hidden names protect powerful people.

Therefore, holding Bondi in inherent contempt is a clear message. It tells the public that Congress will not let the DOJ hide files indefinitely. It also shows victims that leaders care about their rights.

What is Congress’s power under inherent contempt?

Congress has three main methods to enforce its subpoenas:
• Civil enforcement, which relies on federal courts.
• Criminal contempt, which asks the Justice Department to prosecute.
• Inherent contempt, which acts without court help.

Civil enforcement can be slow. Courts may take months or years to decide. Criminal contempt depends on the DOJ, the same agency under scrutiny. Thus, inherent contempt is the fastest route. It cuts out outside delays and puts Congress in charge.

Inherent contempt requires a simple majority vote in the House. Once approved, the Sergeant at Arms arrests the target. The detained person stays in custody until they obey or until the House frees them.

While powerful, inherent contempt is rarely used. Lawmakers worry about upsetting democracy’s balance. They also worry about public perception of punishing an executive official. Still, Khanna and Massie see it as the only way to force compliance.

Next Steps and What to Watch

Expect a House vote soon after the holiday break. Watch for statements from both parties. If key Republicans join, the motion could pass easily. If Democrats stay united, it will likely pass too.

Bondi could respond by rushing to release more documents. She could also challenge the move in court. That fight could draw out the process. Meanwhile, victims and the press will keep up pressure.

As this unfolds, ask these questions:

• Will enough lawmakers support inherent contempt?
• How will the Justice Department handle this rare move?
• Can Congress balance its power while respecting separation of powers?
• Will full Epstein files finally see the light of day?

Ultimately, this fight tests Congress’s will to enforce its own laws. It also shows how far lawmakers will go for transparency and justice. In the end, the American public and survivors await the truth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is inherent contempt and why is it rare?

Inherent contempt is Congress’s ability to fine or detain someone who defies a subpoena. It is rare because it bypasses courts and seems harsh. Lawmakers often choose court-based enforcement instead. That process can take much longer.

How could inherent contempt affect Pam Bondi?

If the House votes for inherent contempt, Bondi could face daily fines. Congress can also order her arrest by the Sergeant at Arms. She would remain detained until she releases the demanded files. This pressure aims to force her compliance.

Why do survivors want all Epstein files released?

Survivors want full transparency to see who abused them and who covered up the crimes. They believe hiding names protects powerful people. Full release would give a clearer picture of the network behind Epstein’s actions.

What might happen if Bondi challenges inherent contempt?

Bondi could sue Congress or ask a court to block the move. That would spark a legal showdown over separation of powers. Meanwhile, the files might remain sealed until the dispute ends. This could delay justice for victims.