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A resolution providing for the authority to initiate litigation for actions by the President and Department of Justice officials inconsistent with their duties under the laws of the United States.

USA119th CongressSRES-597| Senate 
| Updated: 2/5/2026
Charles E. Schumer

Charles E. Schumer

Democratic Senator

New York

Cosponsors (15)
Mazie K. Hirono (Democratic)Ruben Gallego (Democratic)Adam B. Schiff (Democratic)Richard J. Durbin (Democratic)Ben Ray Luján (Democratic)Amy Klobuchar (Democratic)Sheldon Whitehouse (Democratic)Chris Van Hollen (Democratic)Martin Heinrich (Democratic)Brian Schatz (Democratic)Andy Kim (Democratic)Cory A. Booker (Democratic)Jeff Merkley (Democratic)Ron Wyden (Democratic)Richard Blumenthal (Democratic)

Rules and Administration Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This resolution addresses the alleged non-compliance of the Department of Justice (DOJ) with the Epstein Files Transparency Act (Public Law 119-38). This Act, passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, mandated the release of all Epstein-related records, documents, and communications in a searchable format by December 19, 2025, with only limited, narrowly tailored grounds for withholding or redacting information. The resolution details several instances of alleged non-compliance by the DOJ. These include releasing only a small fraction of the required documents by the deadline, inflating the numbers of documents released, and subsequently announcing the discovery of millions more pages. Furthermore, the released documents were reportedly extensively redacted beyond the Act's permitted scope, and improperly disclosed Epstein survivor information while withholding details concerning co-conspirators and enablers. To address these alleged failures, the resolution authorizes the Senate Majority Leader to initiate or intervene in one or more civil actions in a Federal Court of competent jurisdiction. The purpose of such litigation is to seek appropriate relief regarding the DOJ's actions inconsistent with its duties under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The Office of Senate Legal Counsel , or other designated counsel, will represent the Senate in these legal proceedings, with funding approved by the Majority Leader.
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Timeline
Feb 5, 2026
Submitted in Senate
Feb 5, 2026
Referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration. (text: CR S512-513)
  • February 5, 2026
    Submitted in Senate


  • February 5, 2026
    Referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration. (text: CR S512-513)

Congress

A resolution providing for the authority to initiate litigation for actions by the President and Department of Justice officials inconsistent with their duties under the laws of the United States.

USA119th CongressSRES-597| Senate 
| Updated: 2/5/2026
This resolution addresses the alleged non-compliance of the Department of Justice (DOJ) with the Epstein Files Transparency Act (Public Law 119-38). This Act, passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, mandated the release of all Epstein-related records, documents, and communications in a searchable format by December 19, 2025, with only limited, narrowly tailored grounds for withholding or redacting information. The resolution details several instances of alleged non-compliance by the DOJ. These include releasing only a small fraction of the required documents by the deadline, inflating the numbers of documents released, and subsequently announcing the discovery of millions more pages. Furthermore, the released documents were reportedly extensively redacted beyond the Act's permitted scope, and improperly disclosed Epstein survivor information while withholding details concerning co-conspirators and enablers. To address these alleged failures, the resolution authorizes the Senate Majority Leader to initiate or intervene in one or more civil actions in a Federal Court of competent jurisdiction. The purpose of such litigation is to seek appropriate relief regarding the DOJ's actions inconsistent with its duties under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The Office of Senate Legal Counsel , or other designated counsel, will represent the Senate in these legal proceedings, with funding approved by the Majority Leader.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Feb 5, 2026
Submitted in Senate
Feb 5, 2026
Referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration. (text: CR S512-513)
  • February 5, 2026
    Submitted in Senate


  • February 5, 2026
    Referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration. (text: CR S512-513)
Charles E. Schumer

Charles E. Schumer

Democratic Senator

New York

Cosponsors (15)
Mazie K. Hirono (Democratic)Ruben Gallego (Democratic)Adam B. Schiff (Democratic)Richard J. Durbin (Democratic)Ben Ray Luján (Democratic)Amy Klobuchar (Democratic)Sheldon Whitehouse (Democratic)Chris Van Hollen (Democratic)Martin Heinrich (Democratic)Brian Schatz (Democratic)Andy Kim (Democratic)Cory A. Booker (Democratic)Jeff Merkley (Democratic)Ron Wyden (Democratic)Richard Blumenthal (Democratic)

Rules and Administration Committee

Congress

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted