Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna has played a vital role in a recent law that forces the release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, the late sex offender. This law now mandates that the Justice Department must release these files within 30 days. Khanna has a message for those in the Trump administration: comply with the law or face serious repercussions.
He stressed to the Guardian, “If officials withhold these documents, they could be prosecuted. This is now federal law.” He advised career officials to consider their future, as new administrations may hold them accountable for not following the law.
As the midterm elections approach, Khanna is also pushing for a subpoena to question Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former British royal who lost his titles due to his connection with Epstein. Even though he has not responded to requests for a voluntary deposition, Khanna clarified, “If he steps foot in the U.S., he could be in contempt of Congress.”
The House of Representatives, currently led by Republicans, would need to issue this subpoena. Khanna has brought this up with James Comer, the chair of the oversight committee investigating Epstein, but hasn’t yet heard back.
Epstein, a financier and friend of Donald Trump, died in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex-trafficking charges. During his presidency, Trump hinted there were more details to be uncovered about Epstein and his connections. However, the Justice Department announced earlier this year that no further information would be released, prompting outrage from both supporters and opponents of Trump.
Khanna worked alongside Republican Congressman Thomas Massie on the Epstein Files Transparency Act. This required the government to release files on Epstein. It faced delays but ultimately passed through Congress with overwhelming support.
“We cracked the MAGA base,” Khanna remarked, crediting the brave survivors of Epstein’s abuse who advocated for the law.
With this new law, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi is responsible for releasing a range of documents linked to Epstein, his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, and those who interacted with them. However, there are limits on what can be shared if it relates to ongoing investigations or national security.
Khanna didn’t speculate on what the documents might reveal but promised that Democrats would not overlook any failure to comply with the law. He noted that if they regain control of the House, officials who don’t follow the law will face scrutiny.
Interestingly, the release of these files could pose risks for prominent Democrats, such as Larry Summers, a former Treasury Secretary. His recent emails have stirred questions about his ties to Epstein, leading him to announce he will stop teaching at Harvard University.
Khanna believes it’s essential for the political landscape to be cleansed of individuals who have protected or participated in sex-related crimes. “We need a generational change, and those involved in such activities should not have a place in politics,” he asserted.
This commitment to transparency underscores a significant shift in accountability for public officials, regardless of their party affiliation. With the public eye firmly on these developments, it’s likely that the conversation around transparency, accountability, and justice will continue to evolve.
For more insights on the Epstein case and legislative developments, you can read further in reliable reports, such as those from the Guardian.
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