Representatives Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Ro Khanna (D-CA), co-authors of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, asked U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer to appoint a 'special master and independent monitor' to oversee the DOJ's document release. In their letter to the court, they stated: 'DOJ has failed to meet the requirements of the Epstein Files Transparency Act in multiple respects' and 'We have urgent and grave concerns about DOJ's failure to comply with the Act as well as the Department's violations of this Court's order.' Massie declared that DOJ 'has shown it cannot be trusted' and is 'openly defying the law.' The lawmakers also threatened 'inherent contempt' charges against Attorney General Pam Bondi—a rarely-used method allowing Congress to 'fine or arrest and then bring to trial officers who are obstructing legislative functions'—with potential fines of up to $5,000 per day. Rep. Khanna was also considering articles of impeachment against Bondi.